Rev. Frank A. "Skip" Danforth
Mar 31st, 2018
Rev. Frank A. “Skip” Danforth82 of West Chatham died Saturday March 31, 2018 at the South Dennis Healthcare in South Dennis.
He was the husband of Mary Ann (Sweinimer) Danforth for over 40 years and the late Jean M. (Arnold) Danforth.
Born in Cedar Rapids, IO, Skip was the son of the late Warner and Mildred (Adams) Danforth. He graduated from Boston University School of Theology and began his ministry in Northampton. In addition he ministered in Lynn, Whitman, Taunton, and Westfield United Methodist churches. He also served as Chaplain of the fire departments while residing in Whitman and Chatham.
As a minister, Skip made sure that everyone felt welcome in his congregations. During worship he always included a special time for the children to come forward. Each week one child brought in a small item placed in the "shoebox" and Rev. Skip would tell a story about the item (not knowing what was in the box until he opened it) and relate it to the Bible.
Beginning in 1991, he, and Mary Ann together, organized and led numerous Mission Teams to John's Island, SC through Rural Missions, and later to New Orleans through UMCOR, to help repair and rebuild these communities. Many of these Work Teams are still active today.
Skip was an active member of the Rotary Club and he was also involved in Hospice throughout the years. He treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling, flying kites, star gazing , cheering for the Chatham A's, dressing as Santa, singing in the church choir and as a member of the "Notables". He had a truly amazing tenor voice that could fill a sanctuary.
He was passionate about Civil Rights and strongly believed in justice and equality for all people. He was involved in the civil rights movement and joined in the protests in St Augustine Florida in the 1960's. It was there that he was arrested and spent several days in jail. He continued to live out his passion for justice.
What does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
In addition to his wife, Skip is survived by three sons, Robert Danforth of Wilton, ME, Adam Whynot of Chatham and David Whynot and his wife, Pamela of Fairhaven; three daughters, Wendy Danforth of Attleboro, Laurie Danforth of Wells, ME, and Dawn Dagenais and her husband, James of San Diego, CA; two sisters, Patricia Sleamaker of Vassalboro, ME and Mary Jenkins of Endicott, NY; twenty one grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday April 14 in the Orleans Methodist Church, 73 Main St., Orleans.
Interment will be private.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzhiemer's Family Support Center, 2095 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631 or to the Orleans United Methodist Church, 73 Main St, Orleans, MA 02653.