Robert Eldon Franz

Robert Eldon Franz, formerly of Ft Wayne IN, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, at home in Long Beach, CA at the age of 96 with loving family at his side.



He was born in Springfield IL on June 26, 1928, to Joseph and Elsie Franz, the fourth oldest of six children. Bob graduated from the University of Illinois with an accounting degree. He joined The General Electric Company in the traveling auditor program after graduation. He worked at General Electric for 35 years and rose to Manager of Accounting Operations. He married his high school sweetheart, Alice M. Copp, in 1951. Bob and Alice lived in Albany NY, Schenectady, NY, and Wyckoff NJ, before settling in Ft Wayne IN with their two children, Robert and Mary.

Upon the quiet urging and unwavering commitment of Mary's husband, Luis, Bob and Alice were fortunate to be relocated in 2019 from a facility in FT Wayne and live the rest of their lives together in Mary's and Luis' home. This was the ultimate gift to their children, Robert and Mary. They were cared for with honor and grace by highly skilled caretakers and by Luis and Mary.

Bob was a devout Catholic and greatly valued his religion, attending church regularly up to his passing. He loved all sports and was his son's little league coach and a great fan of the Utah Jazz and players Karl Malone and John Stockton. Most of all, he loved the game of tennis. He played routinely in leagues and was still hitting tennis balls when he was 94, out of a wheelchair! He imparted this love of the tennis game to his children and grandchildren by contributing to tennis lessons. They all continue to play the sport.

Bob was deeply in love and devoted to his wife, Alice. They renewed their vows in front of family and friends on their 50th wedding anniversary. Bob cared for Alice during a long illness in her later years with a rigorous dedication, always being by her side.

Bob loved his family and grandchildren, Amber, Matthew, and Whitney. He and Alice were at every graduation ceremony through their education and routinely organized trips to various locations, especially Hilton Head and Kiawah Island, SC where they would have family duals on the tennis court. Bob usually won these duals. Bob was well liked by relatives and nephews, and they relayed great memories of him on his passing.

Bob is survived by his children Mary E Franz (Luis) and Robert M Franz (Cheryl) and their children, Amber (Tee), Matthew (Kelly), and Whitney (Will) and his five great granddaughters Ryan Elise and Taylor Louelle Bahnson, Lily Esme and Juniper Mare Franz, and Madeleine Rhae McGoey. He is also survived by his brothers, John and Lawrence Franz and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Predeceased in death by his parents, brothers Fred and Joseph Franz, and his sister Eleanor Jean Franz.

It was an honor to know Robert Eldon Franz, who was a kind and caring man with an amazing sense of humor, a loving father and spouse, and a humble servant of God. He will be greatly missed.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary