Lester A. Franks, 81, of Fremont, OH passed away unexpectedly, doing what he loved most, hunting, on Sunday, May 28, 2017 in Ashtabula, OH. He was born on September 9, 1935 in Clyde, OH, the son of Alvin and Doris (Keegan) Franks. He was a 1954 graduate of Fremont Ross High School.
Lester married Janice Faye Guthrie on August 1, 1953 and she preceded him in death in 1991.
He married Karen Hendricks on September 10, 1982 and she survives. He worked for Ohio Liquid Disposal as a driver and safety director for thirty-two years. He then worked for O-DOT as a dispatcher for eleven years and retired in 2003.
Lester was a member of the Zenobia Shriners; Mason’s and Fremont Eagles. He was inducted into the Fremont Ross Athletic Football Hall of Fame. Lester enjoyed hunting fishing, an avid racquetball player and spending time with his family. He was a big fan of his brother Alvin’s Sprint Car racing. He also enjoyed watching and attending baseball and football games. Lester was well liked and will be missed by many.
Lester is survived by his wife of thirty-four years, Karen Franks; children, Kennard (Kathy) Franks, Brian Franks and Suzanne Franks-Biehler, all of Fremont, OH, Jennifer (Bob) Franks-Dwyer, Cleveland, Chad (Melissa) Hickman, Fremont, OH; brothers, Harold (Carol) Franks, Fremont, OH, Raymond (Pam) Franks, Green Springs, OH; sisters, Judy (Bob) Cunningham and Barb McCoy both of Fremont, OH, Betty Jo Heschel, Tiffin, OH and Peggy Eberly of Florida; best friend, Robert Wetzel, Fremont, OH; eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott Franks; siblings, Nancy Brunner, Sandy Thompson, Alvin Franks, Jr. and James Franks.
Visitation: Friday from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH.
Service: Saturday, June 3, 2017, 10:30 am at the funeral home with Bishop Mark Conley officiating.
Burial: Greenlawn Memory Gardens, Clyde, OH
Memorials: Fremont Ross Athletic Association
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John Eckhardt
Kenny and Brian and families
Sorry to hear of your dad passing. Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers
John Eckhardt
Mansfield Ohio
Cindy Notestine
Susie,Kenny,Brian,and family: So very sorry to hear your dad had passed.You have my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences ❤
Jill Warwick
Sue,
You and your family will be in my prayers. I will forever remember the smile you had on your face when you talked about your dad driving in his convertible looking handsome as ever… ❤️❤️
Jayne
Kenny & Brian,
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family.
Rita Buehler
Karen I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
The Growels
So sorry to hear about Lester, when we came to the US on holiday when we lived in the U.K. he always made sure we can a car to drive. When you saw him, he was always smiling. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Lots of love Robert, Karen and Connor.
Jack Hashman
So sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you.
Cheryl Lippert
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts an prayers are with you all. With deepest Sympathy.
Roseanna Thornton
Karen and family,
I was sadden to hear about Lester. I always thought Lester lived his life young at heart. I will always have fond memories of waiting for mom to get off of work to go swimming at the pool. Lester would come home and say, ” You want burgers?” You never turned down a Lester burger. Somehow when Lester would make them they were the best! I will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family!
Sylvia & jim gray
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father & grandpa -I’m sure he will be missed
Shannon and Justin Howell
We are deeply sorry for your loss. May God bless and keep you during this sad time.
Barbara McCoy
To Karen,
Sorry to hear about ur husband Lester.
Rick whiting, Rick’s girlfriend Marie and daughter Barbara McCoy
Kim Zilles
Kenny, Brian, Suzie, Karen and family so sorry to hear of Les passing! A good man that I always look up to and admired. May God bless and be with you all today.
Cecelia * Mark Auxter
Karen and family…Lester will always be in our hearts…he was a good friend, dad and grandpa. May God bless all of you during this time. You have our deepest sympathy…
jeff bonnell
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts an prayers are with you all. With deepest Sympathy.