Frank Dawson Blest, 93, a resident of Garden Spot Village, died on February 12, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born in Wilmington, DE, he was the son of the late Frank M. and Anna (Walker) Blest. He graduated from P.S.Dupont High School in 1950. In 1954 he received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, followed by a master’s degree, both from the University of Delaware. During his senior year in High School, while involved in a Bible Study, he made the decision to trust Jesus Christ as Savior. He continued to grow in faith while at the University, attending Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. This was the start of a lifelong journey walking with the Lord, a burden for the lost, and world missions.

He was the loving husband of the late Joan (McCleary) Blest, whom he married at New London Presbyterian Church, New London, PA on April 26, 1958, and shared 66 years of marriage until the time of her passing on September 1, 2024. Frank and Joan raised three children. He had a variety of jobs until moving to Smoketown, PA to be a salesman with Agrico Chemical Company. In 1973 the family moved to Emmaus, PA for Frank to be the Farm Center Manager of Crop Productions Service in Macungie, PA, where he was employed until his retirement.

Frank became a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Allentown following the family’s move to Emmaus. He served as Chair of the Missions Committee and later as a member. In 2000 he went with the church on a mission trip to Romania. Additionally, Frank served many years as the receiving treasurer of the church. After retirement he volunteered at Allentown Rescue Mission.

Though Frank lost his father before he was two years old, he was a wonderful father, providing for his wife and children, doing his best to care for his family and make memories. Wrestling on the floor with the boys, sledding down the hill in the winter, planning family vacations, playing catch, splashing in the ocean, laughing at his own jokes, cooking breakfast, helping Joan with her physical limitations, praying for his children as they grew, married and had children. Over the years Frank and Joan opened their home to many people for meals, gatherings or longer stays, but they especially delighted in being with their grandchildren. In the fall of 2015, they moved from their home on the hilltop to Garden Spot Village in New Holland where they both continued to show love and compassion for people they met. He became an associate member of The Community Church at Garden Spot Village. Frank was a man of prayer, who as long as he was physically able, knelt by his bed each night to pray. The final months of his life without his dear wife were very difficult for him, but he held onto is faith in Jesus, loved his family, appreciated his friends and was so grateful to the staff who cared for him.

He is survived by three children: Stephen R. (Susan) Blest, Alburtis, PA, Kathryn B. (Stephen) Austvold, Fergus Falls, MN, Mark D. (Kimberly) Blest, East Earl, PA, five grandchildren: Savannah Blest, Stephanie (Albert) Sampson, Lindsey (Peter) Van Ness, Katelyn (Doug) Condran, and Justin Blest, four great-grandchildren: Hugh, Bryson, Ingrid and Gabrielle and brother-law, Robert McCleary and sister-in-law Jane McCleary, two nieces and two nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles, brother-in-law, David McCleary and sister-in-law Loretta McCleary.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S Kinzer Avenue, New Holland PA 17557. A Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. A private internment will be held in New London Presbyterian Cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to CrossNet Ministries, 127 W. Franklin St., New Holland or AMG International, 6615 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.