SSG (Ret) Francis "Frank" Paul Paet

Frank Paet, born July 28, 1961, in Tamuning, Guam, died on October 26, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Frank retired as a Staff Sergeant after an honorable career in the United States Army. He took great pride in his service as an Ammunition Specialist and Jumpmaster, and in his participation in Operation Desert Storm and the liberation of Kuwait. Throughout his military years and into retirement, he remained deeply committed to helping others, offering care and guidance to young men as they worked to become better soldiers and stronger professionals in their careers. His leadership, encouragement, and steady example left a lasting impression on many lives.

A devout Catholic, Frank was known for the faith and kindness he shared with everyone he met. He treasured time with family and friends and found joy in simple, meaningful moments together. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, grilling, and cooking, and he also enjoyed spending time with his dogs and cat. Among the roles he held most dear was his time as a youth bowling coach. He took pleasure in helping young people improve their game, but even more importantly, he valued the opportunity to share wisdom, build character, and encourage growth in those he mentored.

Frank was predeceased by his father and stepmother, Alex and Julianna Paet, his mother and stepfather, Guadalupe and Walter Cowles, and his siblings, Daniel (Margaret) Paet and Willy Cowles. Family members include the love of his life, Fran Leon Guerrero; daughter, Nina Francine (Michael) Carillo; grandchildren, Milo Alexander and Eevee Grey; stepdaughter, Rachael (Zach) Sanders, Adeline and Charlotte. Stepson Michael (Susan) Perrault; Avianna, Cayden, Gemini (great grandchildren Jonah, Ocean, and Luca); Jeremiah and Devyn; siblings, Marie (McArthur) Melton, Alan Paet, Juanita Paet-DeSilva, Edwin Paet, Kimberly Palaszewski, Patrick Cowles, Domingo Paet, Neil (Jamie) Apresto, and Peping (Cecilia) Paet; his in-laws, Vincent and Josephine Leon Guerrero (Deceased), Francisco Leon Guerrero (Nenita - Deceased), Juan Leon Guerrero (Deceased), Maria L.G. and Felixberto Paule (Deceased), Teresita (Cruz - Deceased) Pizarro, Margarita LG and Michael Crupe, Oliva (Andrew-Deceased) Velasquez, and Cecilia (Calvin) Johnson; and special friend, Ryan Melton.

Family and friends are invited to honor Frank’s life at a visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, 1209 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37040. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Following the service, a committal ceremony with US Army Honors will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, 5817 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.

Frank will be remembered with gratitude for his faithful heart, his devoted military service, his generosity in mentoring others, and the warmth he brought to family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.