Carl Tryon Franke

Carl Tryon Franke “Papa”, age 82, of Portage Lakes, Ohio, passed away April 16, 2013 at Akron City Hospital, after a brief illness.

Carl was born February 20, 1931 in Akron, Ohio to Carl S. and Virginia K. Franke. He was their only son. While growing up he worked for his father at Franke’s Pharmacy on The Brooklands. After graduation from East High School in 1949, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War. One of his appointments was Commander of the Charleston Group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in Charleston, South Carolina. He received a National Defense Service medal, and Good Conduct Award. He married his high school sweetheart, Ida May Murphy, on April 5, 1952, forming a loving 61 years of happiness together.

After his honorable discharge in 1954, he attended Ohio Northern University, leaving to pursue a degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. While in college he worked for Johnson’s Funeral Home and the Macedonia Fire Department. Upon graduation, Carl went to work for the Adams Funeral Home, retiring after 30 years. Dad loved to fish and hunt in his younger days, but his true hobby was remodeling every home he ever had. He enjoyed helping his daughters rebuild and remodel their homes, because it was done as a labor of love.

While enjoying retirement, he continued working for the Akron Aeros. Both Dad and Mom enjoyed being together, so they traveled the world. Their excursions took them to many different countries and on many exotic cruises. They always said since they have a van they could travel anywhere. They were known to take off at the spur of the moment. Their favorite spot was the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. He attended Goodyear Heights Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon. Carl was a member of Wayfarer Masonic Lodge #789 F&AM, Yusef Khan Grotto and Tadmor Shrine.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl S. and Virginia K. Franke; great aunt, Gwen Whisler; and nephew, Mike Greenleese. He is survived by daughters, Carlyn Toth and Karen Minich (Jim); grandchildren, Mindy Hixson, Katie Toth, Jonathan C. Minich and Matthew Minich; great-grandchildren, Halle and Addison Hixson; nephew, Rick Greenleese; and cousins, Jed Derhammer (Linda) and Ginny Walker (Dave). A masonic service will be held Monday, 7 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312, immediately followed by funeral service with Pastor Bo Schneider officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 7 p.m. Monday. Inurnment with military honors will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman on Wednesday at 10 a.m.