Donald E. Frantz, 95, of Warsaw, passed away at 8:48 a.m. Nov. 7, 2012, in The Hearth at Sycamore Village, Fort Wayne. He was born April 16, 1917, in Stockwell, to C. Earl and Alta Farber Frantz. On Dec. 24, 1942, in Louisville, Ky., he married Mildred Gavin, who survives. He came to Kosciusko County in June 1958 from the Vincennes and Bluffton area. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a Battalion Commander in the 9th Armored Division. He received the Purple Heart for injuries suffered during the Battle of Saipan, Mariana Islands, Asiatic Western Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain. He graduated from Stockwell High School in 1935 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1939. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Rotary Club, both in Warsaw, and a past member of American Legion Post 49, Warsaw. In 1971, he was Man of The Year, which was presented by the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce. He served as past president of the Kosciusko County Historical Society and Indiana County Extension Agents. He was appointed to the Indiana Judicial Nominating Committee. He was one of the founders of Kosciusko Community Foundation, Kosciusko Community Hospital and Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District. He was the public affairs director for WRSW and an editorial writer for Times-Union for 12 years. He retired from the Lake City Bank Board of Directors. Also surviving are a daughter, Mary Alice Garrett, Warsaw; a son, James (and spouse Nanette) Frantz, Warsaw; three granddaughters, Stephanie (and spouse Jim) McDairmant, Jennifer (and spouse Justin) Smith and Olivia (and spouse Dan) Coons; four great-grandchildren; a brother; and a sister. He was preceded in death by a sister and three brothers Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church, Warsaw, with Pastor Tony Carmer officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military honors by American Legion Post 49 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126, both in Warsaw. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw, and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church. ***** Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 179 S. Indiana St., Warsaw, IN 46580. Condolences may be sent via www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
