Franklin D. French's Obituary
Decatur-Franklin D. French, 73, of Decatur, died December 17, 2010, in his sleep at his home.
A 'Celebration of Frank's Life' will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (UUFD), 3773 North MacArthur Road, Decatur, IL 62526. Online memories and condolences may be shared with Frank's family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Frank was born November 6, 1937, in Fort Wayne, IN the son of Ralph and Ilah (Madison) French. He graduated from Payne High School, Payne, OH in 1955. He placed seventh in Biology and fifth in History of Ohio seniors. He was a boxer in the Golden Gloves. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Seabees in the Philippines and Alaska.
He graduated from the American Institute of Baking in Chicago. He earned master's certificates from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Frank and Barbara Davis married in May 1960 in Ohio and moved to Chicago.
Frank was in the baking industry over 50 years. He was an active member of the American Association of Cereal Chemists, American Society of Baking, Institute of Scientific Education, and Food Technologists International. He served on the Education Board of AIB.
Frank accepted a position offer from Archer Daniels Midland and he, Barbara, Christine and Ralph moved from Chicago to Decatur, IL in 1975. He was introduced to canoeing by neighbors and he and Barbara canoed many rivers in the U.S. In 1983 he was transferred back to Chicago and then to Overland Park, KS in the Milling Division. He retired as the Director of Technical Services for ADM Milling in Kansas in 2004. Frank traveled internationally and in the U.S. for his work. He and Barbara traveled to several countries. Frank's favorite city was Pompeii, Italy.
Frank was always reading three books: a paperback for ease to take on the plane, a hardback book at home, and the Book Club selection. Frank was in some Book Club for over 30 years. He loved the Chicago Bears and him and his son, Ralph, would do an analysis of the games over the phone.
His hobby and enjoyment was cooking and grilling out and hosting the many pool parties in his backyard in Overland, KS. One summer numbered 17 parties. He also walked the neighborhood and invited all of the kids mowing yards to come on over and swim after they were done. He said, 'What a great thing that would have been for me when I was mowing lawns.' He felt fortunate and always wanted to share with others. His very favorite times, however, were the weeks his daughter's and son's families visited in Kansas.
Frank and Barbara moved back east to Decatur to be near to family in September 2009. During the summer and fall of 2010, Frank was Captain and he and Barbara spent many enjoyable hours on their pontoon boat on Lake Decatur.
Frank will be missed and remembered by his family: Wife of 50 years, Barbara Rose (Davis) French. Children: Daughter, Christine (husband ' Steve) Neisslie; grandsons Ryan and Jeff Neisslie of Oreana, IL; son, Ralph (wife ' Carol (Snyder)); granddaughter Madison French of Appleton, WI and extended family and friends.
Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or UUFD, 3773 N. MacArthur Rd., Decatur, IL 62526, in Frank's memory will be appreciated by his family.
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