Frank McIntosh

Immersed in the abiding love of his bride of 66 years and the thankful love of his family, Frank McIntosh passed from this earth to the arms of Jesus on July 11, 2025. On a crisp fall day in November 1935, Harold "Red" and Daisy McIntosh welcomed Frank into the world in West Lebanon, Indiana. When Frank was ten years old, the family moved to Fowler, Indiana. It was there that he first laid eyes on Marilyn Ross, launching an 80-year friendship, courtship, marriage, and legacy that includes three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Frank was a proud Bulldog, graduating in 1954 from Fowler High School as a three-year varsity letterman in track, baseball, and basketball. He was a member of the basketball team (David) that made FHS history by beating Lafayette Jeff (Goliath) in the first game of the Regionals, Frank scoring the winning basket.
Ball State Teacher's College was Frank's alma mater for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education and Administration. Marilyn and Frank married in June 1959 and moved to Peru, Indiana where Frank taught elementary school before becoming principal. In 1967, the Mac family of five moved to Lafayette where Frank and Marilyn raised their children, welcomed their grandchildren, connected in their community, and made lifelong friends. Memories made during 28 years on Hopi Court were especially cherished by Frank.
As a first-generation college grad, education was very important to Frank. He took great pride in witnessing all his kids and grandkids graduate from high school, college, and trades/training programs. Generations of Oakland Elementary Acorns knew Mr. McIntosh as their fifth or sixth grade teacher during Frank's 40 years with the Lafayette School Corporation. During the concluding five years of his career, he served as a physical education instructor within the corporation. Frank enjoyed coaching the Acorns in flag football, track and field, and basketball.
Frank enjoyed sports throughout his life. Young Frank enjoyed pick-up basketball games with some legendary Indiana notables, playing weekly volleyball with the guys, and later enjoying men's league golf. He enjoyed attending his kids' and grandkids' sporting events and spent many years driving US 52 as a Pacers and Colts season ticket holder. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved attending the 2013 World Series at Busch Stadium.
Like many teachers, Frank had second/summer jobs that included painting houses, working at a filling station, teaching summer school and Driver's Education, facilitating an annual trades conference at Purdue, hosting Saturday elementary recreation programs, taking tickets at Purdue football games, and running a robust mowing business for over 25 years – a labor of love that his children credit with putting them through college. Frank enjoyed working in the yard, working with his hands, working on DIY projects, working to help others Frank just enjoyed working, and appreciated the sense of purpose and satisfaction work brought to his life.
Frank also enjoyed volunteering in the community and through the church. He especially loved being on the groundskeeping crew at Christ United Methodist, as well as other church volunteer opportunities. He was a humble, anonymous servant to many, always ready to bring his tools and get his hands dirty. His love was poured into the homes of each of his children through years of DIY projects.
Retirement found Frank and Marilyn behind the wheel and on cruise ships visiting all 50 states and many tropical paradises. Road trips were a part of Frank's life including summer family vacations, spring breaks to Florida, checking on college grandkids in Colorado and Iowa, afternoon drives through the country, and countless trips to visit family and friends. A 2014 trip to London and the motherland of Scotland was especially treasured.
Above all, Frank loved his family, his friends, and the Lord. He supported his kids/grandkids in sports, music, school, civic, and religious endeavors. He was a remarkable caregiver to his mother, and a loyal friend to those with whom he grew up, and to those with whom he walked the path of growing old. When one was gathered into Frank's (the Mayor's) bubble, he became their biggest cheerleader and fearless protector. His impact is beyond measure, and the beautiful chapters of his legacy continue to grow and thrive.
Surviving with the love of his life, Marilyn, are his children Morry (Charla) McIntosh of Indianapolis, Shelly (Darrin) McIntosh-Davidson of Crystal Lake, IL, and Holly (Dave) McIntosh-Luze of Wildwood, MO. Grandchildren Joe (Jennifer) McIntosh, Isaac (Liza Romanov) Davidson, Miranda (Nathan Smith) Luze, Justine Luze, Carly (Dawson) Noe, Riley McIntosh, and Garrett Luze; Great-grands Ben McIntosh and Emilio Valentin; many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, and sister-in-law Nancy Ross Speedy.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents and Marilyn's parents, George/Della Ross; sister Mary Lou (Max) Prouty, brother Bob (Betty) McIntosh, nephews Brian, Ken, and Kyle McIntosh, sister-in-law Pat Ross Sharp, brother-in-law Don Ross, and a clan of McIntosh/Wellman aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he adored.
Frank's life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 19 at Christ United Methodist Church, Lafayette with visitation from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. and funeral service at 11:00 a.m. While Frank loved beautiful flowers, the family humbly requests donations in his honor to the Lafayette Urban Ministry, the American Cancer Society (Frank would remind you to wear sunscreen), Habitat for Humanity, or Ball State University. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the loving staff at Legacy Creasy Springs, and the angels of Franciscan Hospice.