William O Franks

February 10, 1945 - August 18, 2018

William O. Franks, 73, of Bluffton passed away on Saturday evening, August 18, 2018, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center. Bill was born on February 10, 1945 in Portland, Indiana to Orval LeRoy & Clara Irene (Corle) Franks. He served our country in the United States Marine Corp. from 1964 to 1968 as was honorably discharges as a Sergeant. Bill was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Metal, Vietnamese Campaign Metal and Sharpshooter Rifle Badge. He worked at Corning Glass and the Fremont Company in Bluffton. Bill was an active member of the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton, where he served on the Honor Guard for many years. He was a member of the Bluffton Moose Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans Association. Survivors include his companion, Alberta Close of Bluffton along with 25 nieces and nephews, 46 great-nieces and nephews and 30 great-great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and 8 brothers and a sister. Calling Hours will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. on Friday (August 24, 2018) at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Military Honors will be performed to honor Bill at 7 P.M. on Friday, at the end of calling, and will be given by the United States Marine Corp Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #111 Honor Guard. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.