Bill Frank

Bill Frank

William R. Frank, more commonly known as Bill Frank, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at the Pickering House. Bill was 64 years old and resided in Lancaster, Ohio.
Bill was a kind, generous man who was respected and loved in the community. Bill worked for the City of Lancaster Water Dept. for 31 years. Not only was he well-known because of his job of managing the meter shop, he was also involved in several organizations.
He was involved in the Fraternal Order of Eagles for over 30 years and acted as President and Trustee. He was an active member of the Fairfield Fish & Game where he served as President. Bill volunteered with the Charity Newsies, which tied in to his love of giving back to children and those in need.
Bill never missed an opportunity to put a smile on a kids face. He would buy kids candy in the checkout line at the grocery store and was also referred to as “The Candyman” to so many of his younger nieces and nephews. Bill was a giving man and one way he gave back was through his cooking.
Although Bill was never a police officer, he was an honoree member of the Fraternal Order of Police where he would cook dinner for several of their evening meetings. Bill cooked for all of his holiday gatherings at work. During opportune times when his coworkers would get a craving for a well-cooked meal he would provide lunch. He would contribute his culinary skills to family reunions and his neighbors the Kilbargers. His son and daughter's friends would never miss an opportunity for a sleep over because that would guarantee they would get a world class breakfast the next day.
Furthermore, during his active years at the Fairfield Fish &Game, Bill would cook a huge pot of beans for all of the 100+ campers every Memorial Day weekend. The pot he used was so big that he used a canoe paddle to stir the soup. When Bill retired, his presence at Nick's Pizza became even more regular. It did not take long for Bill to become more than just a customer. He began bringing food into the restaurant for the staff and other regulars. He also would play cards with the staff on weekends and would take pride in his ability to beat his younger opponents. Playing cards in his later years gave him fond memories of his younger years of gaming at the F.O.E. and putting together football pools. This enjoyment also contributed to his numerous visits to Brigg’s. Many Brigg’s regulars, while enjoying their old-fashioned burgers, also sought enjoyment in Bill’s football pools and the dreams of winning big money. Bill enjoyed managing football pools because it allowed him to stay connected with all the people he had built relationships within the community.
Besides cooking, one of Bill’s other favorite passions was helping others. After retirement, he held three different jobs, but he only got paid for two. His first job was working for Olivedale. He would take senior citizens on trips to see shows in Columbus or trips to Amish country or the zoo. He also worked at The Foundation where he became more than an employee. It did not take long before he was helping people that were down-and-out find jobs. He was often serving as chauffeur on his days off, driving people without cars to and from work. He loved this job because he truly loved helping people. He was often giving a helping hand or lending money to people he knew would, most likely, not be able to pay him back. His third job, the one that came with no pay, was babysitting both his first and second grandchildren. No amount of money could bring the pride and satisfaction he obtained by having the opportunity to spend so much quality time with his grandchildren. These two children, both granddaughters, sure did love their Papa. Bill will be missed by everyone, including all those who laughed at his jokes or enjoyed his great food.
Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sue Frank; daughter Melissa (Curt) Brogan of Canal Winchester, OH; son Chad R. Frank (Allison) Frank of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughters Riliegh and Bailee Brogan, and a grandson expected in January; brothers, Charlie (Linda) Frank and Phil (Rhonda) Frank; sisters, Mildred Anderson, Ruth Fosnaugh, Doris (Paul) Purtiman, and Grace Conrad and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Maybell; brothers, Lloyd, Gene, Donald, Ronald; sister, Jeanette Moore.
Because of his huge heart and generosity, he was loved by so many. Bill was more than a great man to so many people, and he made the community that surrounded him a better place to live.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OH 43130 with Nick England officiating. Burial to follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lancaster, OH. Friends may visit Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home and 1hour prior to the service on Thursday.
Memorial gifts may be given to Foundation Dinners, 1000 W. Fifth Ave., Lancaster, OH 43130 or pay it forward as Bill did.
To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.