Franklin D. Stayer, 84 , of Kendallville, died at 11:31 pm Sunday, December 6, 2020, at his home.

He was born August 23, 1936, in Whitley County, Indiana, a son of the late Ernest and Lovel (Druley) Stayer. His formative years were spent in Sidney, where he attended Sidney High School.

On December 24, 1971, he married Emmajean Hunter. They lived at Knapp Lake, then moved to Kendallville.

He was a specialty engineer at Kimble Glass in Warsaw for 30 years and the owner-operator of Harper Lake Campground from 1972 – 2002.

Frank liked tinkering, puttering and really enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Emmajean; a daughter, Marsha (Phillip) Schaddelee of Winona Lake; a son, Stephen (Ellen) Stayer of Warsaw; stepdaughters, Antoinette (Steve) Johnson of North Webster, and Margaret (Dan) Dausman of Pierceton; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Everett Stayer of Huntington.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Willis, Ernest Jr., Keith, Verlin, Harold, & Gerald Stayer and

sisters, Margaret Hisle, and Sandra Whittlesey.

The funeral service is 1 pm Friday, December 11, 2020, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 am Friday until the service.

Special thanks go to Hospice Nurse Lorie Lucas and Home Health Care Heather Beltran.

Memorials are to the Noble County Community Foundation or Parkview Noble Hospice.

This service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page.