Frank Jessen, a longtime long-haul truck driver known as "Tomahawk," passed away on October 22, 2026, at his home in Altonah, Utah. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
Jessen spent 57 years working as a long-haul truck driver, during which time he traveled more than 7,350,000 miles across every state. While he enjoyed his ranch, horses, and cows, he was known for his deep passion for trucking and his ability to make friends wherever the road took him.
He was married to Phyllis Reay Jessen, referred to as "Lady T," for more than 60 years. The couple was sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 24, 1966.
Frank Jessen is survived by his wife, Phyllis Reay Jessen, and his children: Deana Lindsay and husband Robb, Dixie William and husband Richard, Jennifer and husband Clay Miles, Merlin Frank Jessen Jr., Kevin and wife Kristy Jessen, Misty and husband Garrett Taylor, and Austin and wife Lacie Jessen. He also leaves behind 32 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother, Robert Glen Jessen, and wife, Vickie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Asa William "Dick" Jessen and Afton Barrett Jessen; his brothers, William George "Bill" Jessen and Johnny Dean Jessen; and his sister, Kathy Jean Bird.
According to a report published October 23, Jessen passed away on the same day his father passed away 51 years earlier.
Funeral services for Jessen are scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Lake Fork Chapel in Mountain Home. Viewings were held on Monday, October 26, 2026, and are scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM at the same location. Burial will take place in the Mountain Home/Boneta Cemetery.
The funeral service will be held at the Lake Fork/Moon Lake Chapel, located at 20557 W Highway 87, Mountain Home, UT 84051.
