Raymond Henry Frankhouse

Raymond Henry Frankhouse, age 92, passed away on May 22, 2018. He was born in Monroe, Michigan to John and Clara Frankhouse on February 27, 1926. Ray attended local schools until he enlisted in the Navy in 1944. He served in the Amphibious Forces in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Ray met his life-long love, Ida L. Vance, and they married in Napoleon, Ohio, on June 21, 1947. He took advantage of the GI Bill to study to be a Master Mechanic. In 1955, Ray joined the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18, District 2, and worked as an End Loader Operator and Master Mechanic. He helped build the 80-90 Turnpike across northern Ohio. He advanced to Area Coordinator for the Apprenticeship Program from May 26, 1969 to March 31, 1972. Ray was promoted to Business Agent from April 1, 1972, to his retirement on May 30, 1986. Ray was a long-time member of the Wakeman Masonic lodge in Waterville, Ohio, as well as a member of Zenobia Shrine- achieving Scottish Rites. An avid birdwatcher, he was a life-long member of The Audubon Society and turned his large backyard into a bird feeding and nesting sanctuary for numerous migrating bird species including hummingbirds. Ray enjoyed an active outdoor sports life as a canoer and outboard boating enthusiast. His indoor hobby was photography; he built his own dark room for film development and photo mounting, specializing in black and white still lifes. In his more pensive moods, he enjoyed classical music and was an avid reader of the great classic writings and poetry, much of which he was able to memorize and recite unerringly. He was a beloved by many as a warm-hearted man, always helpful and giving. He was also known for his philanthropy during his retirement years. Ray is survived by his daughter, Dale Marie Harmon, and his son, Danny (Toni) Frankhouse, as well as his brothers Donald Frankhouse of Albuquerque, NM; Charles (Shirley) Frankhouse of Grand Haven, MI; and Michael (Ruth) Frankhouse of Elmore, OH. Graveside Services will be performed at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Judes Children Research Hospital. Arrangements by Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, Maumee. Online condolences can be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.