Franklin "Frank" Ohio Harned

Franklin “Frank” Ohio Harned, 94 of Ashland was called home peacefully in the presence of his family on Saturday October 11, 2025, following a brief illness.

Frank was born on November 22, 1930, in Hayesville, Ohio, to Russell and Josephine Harned. Frank graduated from Hayesville High School in 1948.

After graduation Frank married his one true love, Janice “Jan” Austen of Jeromesville on January 27, 1950. During their marriage, Frank and Jan raised 4 children and adored spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frank was happiest when sharing stories with his family of his past and hearing what was going on in everyone’s lives.

Frank was the original “jack of all trades.” He retired from the Mansfield Tire where he was a tire builder and union steward. He then went on to work for The Mansfield Business College and ultimately retired for a third and final time from the Brittany Condominiums in Mansfield. Frank loved problem solving and put this skill to work in both his professional and personal life. He would often be found with his head in his hands “working something out” in his mind to fix his latest dilemma. And he always figured it out!

Frank was also quite the craftsman. He had a workshop in his basement where he built all sorts of things, but perhaps the most unique was his signature furniture he made for his grandchildren. Many child sized recliner rockers, couches, pantries, toyboxes and toolboxes came out of his workshop. He was also very proud to have helped several of his family members build and remodel their homes.

Frank spent his last two and a half years living at The Inn at Ashland Woods where he was affectionately known by all as “grandpa.” Frank loved his life at The Inn and was frequently heard saying that everyone there – staff and residents – became his extended family. He even represented the facility and won the title Ashland County Senior Fair King in 2023.

Frank is survived by his four children, Doug Harned of Dublin, Steve Harned of Ashland, Cindy (Randy) Harned-Keys of Hilliard, Sandy (Don) Mutchler of Ashland; nine grandchildren, Gina Stutz of Galloway, ShaNa (Jeff) Benner of Nova, Kevin Goon of Marysville, Brad Moyers of Tennessee, Katie (Todd) Keating of Ashland, Sarah (Kevin) Flanigan of Dublin, Brandon (Amanda) Harned of New Franklin, Logan Harned of Ashland, Rachel Harned of California; one sister, Jone Horner of Ashland; one sister-in-law, Shirley Austen of Ashland, and eighteen great grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister, and his wife of almost 70 years, Jan.

A memorial service will be held at Cross Connect Church, 495 Co Rd 2302, Loudonville, Ohio on Saturday October 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. A graveside interment service will immediately follow at Jeromesville Cemetery.

Frank’s family wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Inn at Ashland Woods for the excellent care, support and companionship Frank received during his stay as well as to Gentiva Hospice for making Frank’s last days comfortable - especially to Dr. Pierre for the years of care he dedicated to both Frank and Jan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ashland County Cancer Association.

Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville assisted the family with arrangements.

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

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