Ralph B. Franz, Sr.

Ralph Bauer “Jim” Franz, Sr.  age 83, of Maysville, WV passed away Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Grant Memorial Hospital in Petersburg, WV.  Mr. Franz was born August 6, 1935 in Maysville, WV and was a son of the late Floyd McKinley Franz, Sr. and Marie Katherine (Bauer) Franz. 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Franz was preceded in death by his grandson, Bryan David Reel in 2001; four brothers, Floyd M. Franz, Jr., Ernest W. Franz, Paul E. Franz and Charles F. Franz.

Mr. Franz served in the United States Army during 1958-1960.  He retired from Allied Egry in 1994.  He was a lifelong farmer.  He attended Otterbein United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for several years.  He was a member of Maysville Volunteer Fire Department.   Mr. Franz enjoyed hunting and watching game and loved his tractor.   

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Linda Darnell (Buckbee) Franz; one son, Ralph B. “Jimmy” Franz, Jr. and wife Becky of Maysville, WV; two daughters, Linda K. Reel and husband Dave of Maysville, WV and Sandy Tritsch and husband Allen of Walkersville, Md; six granddaughters, Amanda M. Moreland, Brittany R. Tritsch, Samantha L. Bobo, Nicole L. Tritsch, Heather R. Bland and Ashley M. Teter; five great granddaughters and one great grandson and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends will be received from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Monday, January 7, 2019 at the Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg.  Funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at the Schaeffer Funeral Home with The Rev. Robert  Spaid and Rev. Vivan Watts.  Interment will be in the Maysville Cemetery, Maysville, WV.

The family suggests that memorial donations may be made to Maysville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 434, Maysville, WV  26833. 

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