Frank Bailey Mapel | Obituary

Frank Mapel's obituary

Frank Bailey Mapel of San Marino passed away on February 26, 2022, at the age of 81. He was born in Gallup, New Mexico, as a third generation New Mexican whose family was involved in mining and trading with the Native Americans.  

Frank attended the Philips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire and graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s in political science in 1962. Following college, he entered the U.S. Army as a 2nd lieutenant and completed Basic Officers School and Airbourne training at Fort Benning, Georgia, before being assigned to the 4th Armored Division in Ulm, Germany. Upon returning home, Frank attended the Harvard School of Business receiving his M.B.A. in 1967.  

His career in the propane industry began with Petrolane, Inc., where he worked for 20 years and was promoted to Executive Vice President. In 1991, Frank founded Pacer Propane, Inc. As President and CEO, Frank oversaw the acquisition of a dozen local propane distributors across the U.S. before the company was acquired by NGL Energy Partners in 2012. He married Mona Tromblé, a fellow Stanford graduate, in 1969.  

Frank was larger than life — he had a booming voice, a genuine curiosity, a brilliant sense of humor, and was a consummate storyteller. He was dedicated to impacting the communities in which he lived through participation and generosity. Some of his many involvements included: San Marino Little League coach, board member for the Hoover Institution, Eagle Scout mentor for the San Gabriel Valley Council, San Marino Library Foundation fundraiser, member of Chevalier du Tastevin, President of EES, member of Economic Round Table, a supporter of the Autry Museum of the American West, a Life Fellow at the Huntington Library, and a committee leader and board member of the Valley Hunt Club eventually serving as Club president from 2016-2017. He was also an active alumnus of Stanford University and the Harvard Business School.  

Frank is survived by his wife, Mona Tromblé Mapel, their three adult children, Brian (Alexis Fields), Michelle (John Mattox), and Kevin (Tiffany Erickson) and four grandchildren Patrick (8), Andrew (6), Caroline (3), and Emily (1). 

We all loved him unconditionally, as he loved us unconditionally and we will miss him dearly. The world is brighter because Frank made us think, gave us laughter, and inspired us to become better versions of ourselves. 

A Celebration of Frank’s Life for friends and family will take place on April 8 at a private club in Pasadena, California. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s name to the charities he cherished: The Huntington Library, The Autry Museum of the American West — Master of the West Program, The Hoover Institution and City of Hope Cancer Research.