Franklin J. Frey, 91, of Columbia City, died at 8:20 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Parkview Whitley Hospital where he was admitted on April 14 ^th

Born on November 8, 1930 in Lagrange County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Marshall Franklin and Margaret (Hose) Frey. His formative years were spent in Lagrange and Steuben Counties.  He graduated from Salem Center High School in Steuben County in 1949.

Franklin was inducted into the Army on May 11, 1951, serving in the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged February 10, 1953.

On June 26, 1965 he was united in marriage to Edith E. (Harmon) Hackworth.  They made their home in Roann, later moving to Laud and then to Columbia City.  Edith died on September 29, 1999.

On February 5, 2001, he was united in marriage to Laura Gruver.  They made their home in Columbia City.  Laura died January 26, 2022.

Franklin was employed as a maintenance machinist at General Electric for 28 years, retiring January 1, 1991.

An active member of the VFW #5582 and American Legion Post 98, Columbia City, he also served with the Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.  Honoring his service in the Army, he was the recipient of a Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing the area lakes and occasionally the Great Lakes.  Using his machinist skills, he liked woodworking building shelves, cabinets, and furniture pieces.

Surviving are daughters, Barbara Engle of Columbia City and Karen (Mark) Rinehart of Kendallville step-son, David G. (Deborah) Hackworth of Columbia City; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; seven step grandchildren; 27 step great grandchildren; a brother, Robert Frey of Lagrange; and a sister Pat Coney of Coruna.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Sandra Lackey and Billie Mishler, an infant granddaughter, Candy Sue Lackey; sisters, Pauline Shumaker, Mary A. Thompson, and Wanita Riner; and brothers, William Frey and Jim Frey.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at the South Park Annex Cemetery with the Korean War Veterans Honor Guard presenting honors.  Visitation is from noon until the service Monday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.