‘Pops,’ oldest veteran in Kansas, dies at 105

? Frank J. Bozick, who served in World War II and is the oldest known veteran in Kansas, has died. He was 105.

Bozick died early Saturday morning at the Sunset Manor Nursing Home in Frontenac. A staff member at the nursing home confirmed the death.

Bozick joined the Army at age 38 to fight in World War II and was called “Pops” by younger soldiers while doing tank repair.

A historian at American Legion national headquarters in Indianapolis last year confirmed in a letter that Bozick, who was born Feb. 11, 1903, was the oldest living veteran in Kansas.

Bozick was recognized by the state during a 2007 Veterans Day program at Frontenac High School when Gov. Kathleen Sebelius sent him a letter.

“You have the thanks of the entire State of Kansas for your lifelong dedication to protecting our nation,” she wrote.

Bozick also owned a gas station in Pittsburg for 42 years.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be completed.