Richard B. "Dick" Franz

Richard B. "Dick" Franz of Frostproof passed away Monday, June 27, 2011 at the Woodside Hospice House in Pinellas Park.

He was born July 20, 1922 in Tunnelton, WV to the late Howard W. & Esther M. (Bonafield) Franz; he came to Frostproof from Cleveland, OH in 1957. He was the former owner/operator of Frostproof TV, an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Frostproof and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Marines. He was a member of the V.F.W. and American Legion and an honorary life member of the Frostproof Rotary. He was very active in civic affairs as a former mayor and city council member, and was once appointed as Justice of the Peace by then Governor Claude Kirk.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Lou Franz. Survivors include his daughter, Sherry Lou Smith (John) of St. Petersburg; sons, Richard B. Franz II (Rebecca) of Seminole and Michael E. Franz (Jerri) of Fleming Island; 5 grandchildren, Richard Franz III, Erica Smith, Andrea Franz, Graham Smith and Caitlin Franz; and 2 great-grandchildren, Caden and Colton.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until the funeral service at 3:00 pm, Thursday, June 30, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Frostproof with Rev. Brian Smith officiating. Private interment will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation (5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760-9962) or the First United Methodist Church (150 Devane Street, Frostproof, FL 33843).

To view the webcast of his service, please click the link below:
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/234146