Merle Franks, 93, passed away on August 18, 2013 at the Briar Hill Care Facility, surrounded by his family. He was born on Dec. 30, 1919 in the family home in Van Buren, Ohio to Claude Jasper and Mable (Alexander) Franks.
Preceding him in death are his parents, and siblings: Myrtlebelle (Cloyce) Roe, Evelyn (Robert) Daugherty, Emery (Mary) Franks, John (Jane) Franks, and Lillian (Marvin) Smith. He was also preceded in death by a son, Richard Franks, a daughter, Judith (Larry) Black, and a granddaughter, Tonya Franks.
He is survived by his wife (Dorothy), a son, Larry (Bonnie) Franks, a daughter, Jan (Scott) Grady, a brother, Ray (Nancy) Franks, stepchildren Carl (Carol) Atzbach, Cathie Atzbach, Kim Bush, Michelene (Pete) Williams, Tedi Atzbach, Ted (Patti) Long and Jill (Mick) McBride.