John "Jack" Franks peacefully passed on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at the age of 93. His perseverance and unwavering heart led everyone in his life to believe he would live forever. Passionate for all sports, Jack spent many years at the local YMCA, bowling in numerous leagues, and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's teams. Married to the love of his life Grace for over 73 years, they spent a great deal of time traveling the world together. He cherished the time he spent with his beloved "Soup" and he often encouraged others to "go while you're young" insisting travel adventures kept you active and alive. He was active in the community all his life including the Knights of Columbus St. Jerome Council #11450 and 4th Degree - Bishop Hoffman Assembly, Swiss GAF Society, St. Thomas Holy Name past president and usher, Rossford Eagles Aerie # 2322, and the first president of the Oregon AARP. He also was the #1 Notre Dame "Fighting Irish" fan. He worked as a Yard foreman for Norfolk and Western Railroad retiring after 36 years of service. All who have known or worked with Jack had instant respect and admired his dedication to learning and bettering himself over his fantastic life. He adored his family and was immensely proud of his children. Jack is survived by his wife and best friend, Grace, whom he married May 19, 1935; sons, John Franks and James (Sue) Franks; daughters, Mary Grace (Tom) Belegrin, Patricia (William) Mitchell, Debbie (Greg) Heban; 25 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Franks; sister; Mary Ellen Coyle and two granddaughters, Jill Belegrin and Nicole Heban. We will love him and miss him dearly and have solace knowing he will carry on in heaven as passionately as his time with us on Earth. Friends may call at the Hoeflinger-Bolander Funeral Home. 3500 Navarre Ave., Oregon, Ohio, Friday, January 23, 2009 from 4 - 9:00 p.m. Funeral services on Saturday, January 24, 2009 will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church where he will lie instate from 9:00 a.m. followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Interment, St. Ignatius Cemetery, Oregon, Ohio. Memorial contributions to St. Thomas Aquinas Church would be greatly appreciated.