Charles E. Franks

Charles E. Franks, 93, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, August 5, 2024. He was born in Newark, Ohio on October 7, 1930, ( to the late Raymond 'Roy' Joseph and Frances Cecelia (Boch) Franks.
Charlie was a 1948 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1948-1952. He married Margaret 'Peggy' Hillis in 1952 and was married to her for over 70 years when she passed away peacefully also in their home on December 25, 2022.
Charlie was one of the Founders of the WHTH and WNKO Radio Stations. Over his lifetime, Charlie had many careers and outstanding accomplishments. Charlie worked at B.F. Goodrich and retired from B.F. Goodrich in 1980 after over 30 years. After his retirement from B.F. Goodrich, he was appointed Drug Policy Director for the City of Newark in a volunteer position and used his Creekbank Office as the hub for very full 12-16 hour days. At the time of his death, Charlie had volunteered over 72,652 hours of community service work spanning over the last 25 years of his life working with Licking County Juvenile Court's at-risk males trying to steer them on the right path.
Charlie was also active in over a dozen programs, including Prevention Programs and Intervention Programs, Neighborhood Watch, the Mayor's Athlete's Program, T.E.A.M., D.A.R.E., the Mayor's Honor Roll, Senior Crime Prevention, Kidsafe, Crimestoppers and Summer of Safety Programs. He volunteered at a variety of agencies and organizations dealing with addiction treatment and prevention including The Licking County Alcoholism Prevention Program (LAPP), Shepherd Hill Hospital, Moundbuilders Guidance Center, the former MARU unit at Licking Memorial Hospital and Alcoholics Anonymous. Charlie had almost 47 years of Sobriety and was President of the Licking County Alcoholism Prevention Program, Board Director of the Central Ohio Council on Alcoholism and the Licking County Oversight Committee as well as an active member of the Newark Area Chamber of Commerce.
Charlie's passion was helping persons struggling with addiction, troubled youths, low-income persons, battered and abused women and the elderly.
He lived his entire life governed by his Marine Corps Principles of Servant Leadership which shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. He lived his life full of purpose and meaning serving the lives of others with complete optimism. Charlie loved to remind us "Don't Let Anyone Ruin Your Day".
Charlie was a member of Rotary International and received the Rotary International Service to Mankind Award as well as the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award. He was awarded by Governor George Voinovich in 1994 'Volunteer of the Year' in the State of Ohio. He also received a lifetime appointment as an Ohio Commodore and was commissioned Brevet Major United States Airforce for Life. He was appointed by many governors and served over 30 years on the Ohio Division of Wildlife Council. Charlie committed his life to serving mankind.
He will be greatly missed by his four children, Father Donald Edward Franks of Newark, Rosann Franks of Thornville, Annette Franks (Dave Powers) of Columbus, and John Charles Franks (Rebecca Hampton) of Newark.
He will also be missed by all his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Charlie's (oldest daughter Rosann) grandchildren are Andrew Franks, Bryan Franks with great grandchildren Annie and Ellie, Emily Finlaw (Fredrik) Bergstrand with great grandchild Leo.
Charlie's (son John) grandchildren are Zack Franks with great grandchildren, Presley, and Sutton Charles. Josh Franks (Ali Smith and Andrew) with great grandchildren Josey and Rowen. Cody Franks (Mathew Masters and Owen) with great grandchildren, Rylee, Grayson, and Asher.
Charlie also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Donald Hill, and sister-in-law, Laura Franks.
In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his wife Peggy of 70 years, his brothers and sisters Joe (Eileen), George (Connie), Rosemary, Larry, Bobby (Carol) and Mary (William) and his son-in-law Mike Finlaw.
Friends and family may call at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 1-4 P.M., Sunday, August 11, 2024.
Private Liturgy of the Word Service will follow for the family with Fr. Mark Ghiloni as celebrant. Burial will be held at a later date in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Newark.
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