Cledith H. "Clete" Franks, age 80, of Willard, Ohio passed away peacefully on February 8, 2021 at the Willard Mercy Hospital in Willard, Ohio, after a courageous 14 year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born February 22, 1940 in Phil Campbell, AL to the late Harold and Arcie (Davis) Franks. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1958 and retired from R.R. Donnelleys in Willard. His passion for printing and rubber stamps led him to become the owner of Hilltop Jobber in Willard. He loved to hunt and fish, but most of all, he loved to spend time with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids.
He is survived by his wife Linda (Knight) Franks, whom he married December 24, 1959, daughter, Cindy (Ron) Houpt of Newark and son, Scott (Robin) Franks of Fairborn. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren Jenne, Ashley, Whitny, Laura, Josh and Sarah along with 11 great grandchildren and one on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Pat (Charles) Owens of Bellevue and nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Harold Franks and mother, Arcie (Davis) Franks Dennis and step-father, Benny Dennis and a baby sister.
Per Clete's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House. Please accept the family's invitation to share your thoughts and memories about Clete on the Secor Funeral Home website www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Marty & Keith - Jul 23, 2021
I am so sorry to lose another cousin especially one as close as my cousin, Cledith, and our family was for so many years. My dad, his uncle. We had many good times and especially enjoyed sharing our family history. I had many questions to ask and did not get a chance to do that. It is important to not waste time in life as it passes quickly. Love to all the family.
Anne Southworth - Feb 26, 2021
I am so sorry to hear that Cledith passed. I was in his class at Bellevue High School. Before covid arrived, some of our classmates would gather for lunch at Twin Lakes in Bellevue. We hoped to be able to get together in the future and are sorry that Cledith will not be with us. Linda, we will miss your presence as well. I enjoyed your stories of driving the team bus.
Bill McDaniel - Feb 23, 2021
So sorry to hear of Clete's passing. Clete gave RRD a lot of good years. My Prayers and thoughts go to Linda and the entire Franks Family.
Sister Diane Hay - Feb 22, 2021
My sympathy to all of you. What a loving family. May you know God's peace and comfort.
Barbara Eakins - Feb 14, 2021
Linda, Scott, and Cindy. Jim and I send our sincere sympathy. We really liked Clete and have fond memories of our times at Round Lake Christian Camp with him and at church. We also send sympathy to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. We know you will all miss him so much.
linda s slone - Feb 14, 2021
Sorry to here clete passed worked with him at rrd was a very kind man he taught me an lot about printing he was every ones buddy may god bless the entire family
Don and Kathe Graham - Feb 14, 2021
Linda and your family,you have our sincere condolences! Clete is at peace. We will miss his jokes and happy personality. He was a good man!
Brenda hicks featheringill - Feb 12, 2021
Linda, I am so deeply sad to hear the news. He was one of a kind. His kindness was over flowing and he will be sadly missed. Prayers for you and your family
Bart & Candi McKelvey & family - Feb 12, 2021
Dear neighbor - we are very sorry to hear about your loss . I so enjoyed visiting with you both recently and am thankful to have had that time to catch up and pray together! We will continue to pray for Gods’ comfort and peace in the days ahead for you. ♥️
Rhonda Lykins - Feb 12, 2021
Linda I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. May you find comfort in all your loving memories.
Carol Niedermeier - Feb 12, 2021
Cindy, Jen and families, I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs
Marsha Ganni, Ashley and Ethan - Feb 11, 2021
Jen, Ashley, Laura, Whitney and Josh So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Sharon Wingert And Norman Abston - Feb 11, 2021
Please know, Linda, that we are grieving with you. Dad always regarded Clete as a good friend and co worker. I know you all will miss him very much❤️
Marsha Ganni, Ashley and Ethan - Feb 11, 2021
Linda, Cindy and family, Scott and family, Sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Tami Owens-Salyer - Feb 11, 2021
Linda and family, So sorry to hear of Clete’s passing. I worked with him many years ago at Donnelley’s and he made me some stamps. He was one of the kindest men I’ve known. Prayers for peace and comfort!
Marilyn Sands - Feb 11, 2021
Linda, Cindy and Scott, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol J. Hostetler - Feb 11, 2021
Blessings to the family. Praying for everyone! Cletus enjoyed his family and friends.
Christy - Feb 10, 2021
Unc was simply a joyful soul. For decades we shared the love of camping and so many laughs. I can see him and Linda, walking up towards our campsite with Aunt Pat and Uncle Chuck...all carrying their chairs and smiling. Those 4 were always a welcome sight when we arrived at camp. My heart is smiling thinking of our camp adventures. He was so much fun. So much fun. I remember he would always stop to see me at C & S Printing when he stopped by. Always smiling and a chuckle. Just the kindest man, do loving and brought joy to everyone who had the honor of crossing his path. He didn't know a stranger. I'll miss you buddy. Christy
Sherry Long - Feb 10, 2021
So sorry to read of Cledith’s passing. He had a wonderful family and will certainly be missed. Prayers uplifted.
Barb Greer - Feb 10, 2021
Linda I am so sorry for your loss. I had a lot of laughs with Clete over the years at RRD. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Feb 10, 2021
Linda, Cindy, and Scott, You have our deepest sympathy on the passing of your loved one. It sounds like he fought a good fight against his illness. Now, he is at peace with no more sickness. May the many wonderful memories you have of your husband and dad help you during this sad time and always.
HEATHER WILSON - Feb 10, 2021
All of us at Whispering Pines Village are saddened to hear of Clediths passing. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and all of their family. Cledith will be greatly missed by his Whispering Pines Family. Love and Prayers to all of you from all of us.
Barb Cox Marquardt - Feb 10, 2021
Linda, Cindy and Scott. So sorry for your loss. Clete was so special. So glad to have seen you both when he married my Stepdaughter. May God give you comfort in your loss.
Paul and Pat Martin - Feb 10, 2021
So sorry to hear about Cledith. Our prayers and hearts go out to you and your family. Pat and I didn't know Cledith all that long but when we would meet every February for the past 6 years in Sebring we felt we knew him all our lives. We feel as we have lost and great person and friend! God bless and Rest-in-Peace Cletis!
Mary and Roger Harmon - Feb 10, 2021
Linda, so very sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Know our prayers are with you and your family, and you are in our thoughts.
JH & Maggie Barnett - Feb 10, 2021
Hugs to you Linda! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Dick & Jeannine Snay - Feb 10, 2021
To Linda, Scott, Cindy and families, We are very sad to learn of this gentle man's passing, but what an angel heaven has gained. He is free from pain now and will watch over you from above. We have many good memories of all of you, from way back, and know he will be missed by many. Keeping you all close in thought and prayer.
Wayne Oney - Feb 10, 2021
I'm sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Anita Kelley - Feb 10, 2021
My heart and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bob Cook - Feb 10, 2021
I remember Clete working on the ad line at RRD where I also worked and also am from Bellevue. Do recall as a kid watching him hi-jump in his bare feet. So sorry for you loss.
Ruby Greer - Feb 10, 2021
Dear Linda, I am so sorry to hear about Cledith. He always had a happy, smiling, friendly greeting for me. I am keeping you and family in my prayers.
Michelle Morris - Feb 10, 2021
Dear Aunt Linda, I’m so saddened to hear that Uncle Cledith has passed away. I’m thinking of you, Cindy & Scott & the whole family. ❤️
Brooke Klinger (Knight) - Feb 10, 2021
Sending all my love from Mn. I’m so sorry to hear about a uncle Cledith. He was one of a kind & always put a smile on my face. He loved his family so hard! I love you all so much. I wish I could be there to hug you!
Jeff Cox - Feb 9, 2021
Linda and Family, My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family I can still remember his workshop and that Saint Bernard! So sorry for your lose