Frankie Lynn Shoults, the son of Elmer and Audrey Shoults, was born on July 11, 1957, in Summersville, MO. He entered into rest on April 16, 2025, at Springfield Hospital, surrounded by his family, at the age of 67.
Frankie married Cheryl Gutscher on July 28, 1979. They were blessed with five children: Andrew, Robert, Ashley, Dawn, and Frankie Jr.
Frankie was born and raised in the Hartshorn/Summersville area and graduated from high school in 1975. He began working at an early age for Roy and Lee Summers at the store in Hartshorn before purchasing the store to start his own business after graduation. Over the years of owning and operating the store, Frankie became well-known and made friends with people far and wide. Hartshorn came to be associated with “Frankie’s Store.” His friendly and humorous banter will be forever remembered by family and community members. Popular phrases from Frankie included, “Sorry, Just Sold Out,” “Your Total with Your Discount Is,” and, of course, a compliment to every woman who entered his store: “You look beautiful today.” There is a large circulation of half-dollar pieces and $2 bills in the area because Frankie loved to give them as change, especially to his younger customers. The store was the heart and soul of Hartshorn, and Frankie made each person who came through the door feel like a friend. He always said there was time for “One More Story,” sharing tales with visitors from all over the United States, especially those who stopped in while hunting, trail riding, or vacationing. Many of his local customers were regarded as lifelong friends, stopping to visit for hours at a time. In addition to running the store seven days a week, including all holidays, Frankie opened and managed a pool hall in Summersville six nights a week for nearly ten years. He believed the young people in the area needed a place to hang out and stay out of trouble, so he provided that space. This was a testament to his thoughtfulness and willingness to help others in the community. Frankie often became many young people’s first employer, always ready to offer anyone a chance to work and earn their way. In some instances, he offered individuals multiple chances to improve by providing them with jobs.
Frankie joined the Masonic Lodge of Summersville on November 11, 1979, and progressed to the level of Master Mason. In 1998, he became a Shriner in Springfield, MO. Being a Shriner was a source of pride for Frankie; many local students recall the joy of having him accompany them on the school bus to the annual fourth-grade trip to the Shriner Circus in Springfield. This was one of the few occasions he took a break from the store.
Frankie was a Valley Center Baptist Church member in Hartshorn, having been baptized and saved there. He never hesitated to share his faith with others, proudly proclaiming the Lord as his Savior.
Frankie is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Audrey Shoults; four brothers, Van, Denver, Charlie, and Dee Shoults; and one sister, Marcela Wilcox.
Frankie is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his children: Andrew (Sasha) Shoults of Summersville, MO; Robert Shoults (Sean Walsh) of Jefferson City, MO; Ashley Shoults and Dawn Shoults of Hartshorn, MO; and Frankie Shoults Jr. (Emily McDonald) of Springfield, MO; his grandchildren: Gabriel Shoults (Dani Borntrager) of Willard, MO; Parker Shoults (Summer Terrill) of Springfield, MO; and Andrew, James, Aria, and Lexi Shoults, all of Summersville, MO; his brothers, David (Rhonda) and James (Paulette) Shoults of Hartshorn, MO; his sisters, Acleda Menz of Raymondville, MO, and Darlene (Pier) Pethaus of Ventura, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear customers whom he considered lifelong friends.
Frankie will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all the customers who walked through his doors as strangers and left as valued friends.
Donations in Frankie’s memory may be made to the Shriner’s Childrens Hospital.
