Dr. Frank Richard Levstik
(1943-2000)
The recent death of Dr. Frank Levstik was a tremendous loss, not only
to his friends and family but to the State Archives as well. 
A
native of Chicago, Frank earned a BA in History at Pikeville College
(1966) and an MA in History at Virginia Polytechnical Institute (1968). He
subsequently earned a Ph.D. in History at Ohio State University in
1981.
An accomplished scholar, he authored numerous articles and book reviews on social history, African-American and Civil War related topics. Frank wrote encyclopedia entries on a variety of topics, as well as scores of book reviews to a range of scholarly journals.
A skilled historian, Frank devoted his professional life to an archival career. He joined the staff of the Ohio Historical Society in 1969 and three years later was promoted to Assistant State Archivist. Frank served as Ohio State Archivist from 1976 to 1982.
He subsequently moved to Kentucky where he first joined the staff of KDLA in 1982. As a Principal Archivist, he wrote the Kentucky Historical Records Needs Assessment Report (1983), based on a statewide investigation and analysis which he himself conducted.
When that work concluded in 1983, he joined the staff of the University of Kentucky Library and actively participated in the NEH funded Kentucky Newspaper Project.
In 1985, Frank returned to the Public Records Division and resumed duties as an Archivist. Two years later, he accepted a position as Archives and Records Regional Administrator for the North-Central region of Kentucky and served in this capacity until his death from a series of strokes on June 4th.
In addition to his work with the State Archives, he was involved in numerous civic and career related activities. Frank was a member of the Kentucky Council on Archives for many years and served either on the board of directors or as a member-at-large with the Historical Confederation of Kentucky since 1985. An active member and elder of the Second Presbyterian Church of Lexington, he was also a strong supporter of the Bluegrass Association of Retarded Citizens.
will remember Frank Levstik
as a good friend
and dependable co-worker.
Frank's irrepressible sense of humor was well known among his colleagues at KDLA. He was without question, however, a thorough professional. In a modest, unassuming manner, he willingly contributed to our program in ways that went far beyond the scope of his job duties. He frequently participated in public program activities that stressed the historical value of Kentucky's public records. Outside his normal schedule, he willingly assisted the Research Room staff who benefited tremendously from his extensive knowledge.
His colleagues will remember Frank Levstik as a good friend and dependable co-worker. However, he should also be remembered as one who contributed significantly to the State Archives during the period of its greatest growth.
Submitted by KDLA