Gerald Barrett "Jerry" Franks

FRANKS Gerald "Jerry" Barrett Franks was born November 10, 1920, in Peoria, IL and died Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at Westminster-Thurber in Columbus, OH. For 89 years, Jerry's creative spirit produced a serendipitously charmed life full of adventure, art, invention, and a perpetual quest for knowledge. Jerry studied agriculture at the University of Illinois prior to enlisting in the Army Glider Pilot Program in the early months of WWII. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After the war Jerry studied art and became an accomplished commercial artist and technical illustrator, working for North American Rockwell, and later for Wesleyan University Press illustrating the popular "Weekly Reader." Later in his life Jerry developed his own business creating stained glass art and handcrafted birdbaths. A true renaissance man, Jerry held a lifelong interest in science and invention. He also loved playing the piano, dancing, drawing, gardening, and discussing current events. He was fascinated with the natural world, and took every opportunity to interact with birds and animals. Jerry is preceded in death by Jean High Franks, his sweetheart and life partner of 49 years, by sisters Emily Thomason of Peoria, IL and Kathryn Barr of Village of Golf, FL; and is survived by daughters, Beth Franks (and husband Mike Heldman) of Cincinnati, Katie Franks (and husband Jeff Young) of Bellingham, WA, Susan Franks of Galena, OH; and granddaughters, Cassie and Laurie Heldman. A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 21 in the Westminster-Thurber auditorium, 645 Neil Ave. Go to www.frankspage.org for more information. Donations can be made in Jerry's name to the Westminster-Thurber Life Care Fund, 717 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43215. We miss you, Jerry. Your spirit lives on in our hearts.