Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Keith Franks, 74, of Warsaw, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born in Warsaw on Jan. 2, 1952, to Marion and Laurabel Bixler Franks. Growing up near Atwood, Keith was a 1970 graduate of Mentone High School. He married Marcella “Marci” Leal on Oct. 5, 1985, and were blessed to have shared 40 years of marriage together before Keith passed away.
His dedication to his tireless work ethic was exemplified through his successful ownership and operation of both Franks Electrical Contracting and Franks Family Farm LLC. As a lifetime area resident Keith took great pride in the many friendships he built with rural residents and local farmers. He was a well-known fixture to many in the small farm community which served as a second family to him. Keith was a principled man with deep local roots who enjoyed being close with the land and his well-loved cattle and hay making business. Beyond his professional life, he was an avid John Deere enthusiast, and racing fan. He was proud to have attended Eldora Kings Royal for 39 years. Above all, Keith’s greatest joy was his family; he will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Keith will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marcella Franks, of Warsaw; his children: Brian (Deb) Leal, of Mentone; Dustin (Anna) Leal, of San Diego, Calif.; Cassandra (Nick) Amadio, of Bloomington; and Lindsey (Todd) Whetstone, of Warsaw. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Madeleine, Ezra, Landon, Madison, Kloie, Samantha, Lukas, Julia, Luca, Lorenzo and Wynn; as well as his siblings: William (Catherine) Franks, Kathleen “Kitty” Franks and Carol (Doug) Shilling. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Juanita Clay, Norma Franks and Lois Breading.
Keith’s life will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 30 Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Tim Farley. Family and friends may visit prior to the from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Stony Point Cemetery, Atwood.
Memorial donations in Keith’s memory may be directed to Combined Community Services, 1195 Mariners Drive, Warsaw, IN 46582.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
