Donald Wayne Franks

Donald Wayne Franks, 84, left his earthly home to join loved ones in Heaven on August

17, 2020.  He was born on June 7, 1936 at his grandparents’ farm to Ralph and Lucille

Shoup Franks. He grew up in Holmes County, the fourth of fourteen children.

Don graduated from Big Praire-Lakeville High School in 1954 and went on to serve

in the U.S. Armyfrom November 1955 – November 1957. After returning from the Army,

he married Julia Atterholt with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage on August 1st.

Together they raised four children: Betsy, Donna, Toby and Donny. He supported his family by working in the

Shipping Department of Rubbermaid for almost 40 years. Upon retirement he generously spent his time helping

neighbors, especially Bob and Ruth Stafford.

Don enjoyed classic cars and cruise-ins, coon hunting with his friends, snowmobiling, and vacationing on the beach

with his family. His true happy place was on the seat of his tractor spending endless hours mowing lawns. He was a

member of the Jeromesville Coon Hunters, a former member of the Hayesville Barn Stormers Snowmobile Club and

a 25-year member of the Cruisers Car Club of Wooster. He was also a member of Bigelow United Methodist Church

where he enjoyed attending Sunday School. 

Don is survived by his wife Julia, daughters, Donna (Dave) Williams and Toby Farrell and son, Donald (Cathie) Franks II,

eleven grandchildren: Samuel (Sara), Rachael, Philip, Nicholas, Daniel, Megan, Kyle, Regan, Audrey, Erynn and Kolin,

and great grandson, Lewis. He is also survived by brothers, Tom, Gerald, Larry and Kenny and sisters, Cordelia, Doris,

Marilyn, Carolyn and Linda.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Betsy, his parents and siblings, Maxine, Cecil, Richard and Bobby.

Graveside services will be 12:00 pm Friday August 21, 2020 at Vermillion Cemetery with Janet Boyd officiating. 

The Ashland Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites.

Friends may call Friday August 21, 2020 from 10:30 – 11:30 am at Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville.

Memorial contributions may be given to Bigelow UMC 7818 Co. Rd. 51,  Big Praire, OH 44611.

Don will forever be remembered by his family as a loving husband and father and as the devoted caregiver of

his wife for the last four years of his life.

Online condolences may be made at www.fickesfuneralhome.com.
 

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