Gary Elvin Franks, age 80, of Bolivar, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in his residence following a period of declining health, while under the care of Crossroads Hospice.

Born on the family farm in Bolivar on August 12, 1945, Gary was the son of the late Lawrence and Martha (Morrison) Franks.

While attending Tusky Valley High School, a young lady named Judy Lahmers caught his eye. The couple dated throughout high school, and Gary graduated in 1963. On November 27, 1965, he and Judy married and began a family that includes four children and an extended family whom he adored and loved deeply.

Never one to sit long, Gary kept busy through his 34 years of work for the Village of Bolivar, retiring as the Street and Water Superintendent. During that same time, he served as a volunteer firefighter and Advanced Paramedic for the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department. He also enjoyed nearly three decades as the volunteer Athletic Trainer for Tusky Valley Schools. In his spare time, as if there was much, when raising a family of four, he enjoyed his lifelong passion of working the family farm, where he maintained a herd of beef cattle and crops, and playing in the dirt as he also owned and operated his own excavating company.

To know Gary was to gain an instant friend, because the only stranger he ever met was one who had not yet heard one of his jokes. He loved being around people, telling stories, delivering his trademark dry humor and quick wit, playing card games, and helping anyone who needed a hand. He also found great joy riding his tractor and, for reasons still up for debate, keeping his daughter’s lawn in better shape than his own.

Gary was especially proud of the fact he had been making trips to the Ohio High School Boys State Basketball Tournament since the 1960’s, proudly declaring that it was his idea of a vacation. Judy, on the other hand, would tell you her vacation started the second Gary backed out of the driveway—because that meant shopping trips, dinners out.

Most of all, Gary had a deep faith in God, which through the years grew stronger as he aged. He was a longtime member of the East Sparta Church of Christ and loved serving alongside other members of the congregation.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Gary will be deeply missed by his children; Dave (Joyce) Franks of Dover, Brenda (Dave) Neading of Bolivar, Jennifer Franks of Bolivar, and Lori (Dan) Stotzer of Zoarville; grandchildren Missy (Brandon) Tylke, Nate (Amy) Ady, Amber (Cory) Zwick, Julie (Dustin) Bowersock, Alex Pierre, Caleb (Naomi) Sachs, Jaden Sachs, Gary (Jaime) Sachs, Lauren Stotzer, Logan Stotzer; great-grandchildren Tatum, Asher, Zander, Lilly, Owen, Cade, Sage, Roman, Rory, Harper, and two more expected soon.

Completing the family are his siblings Bob (Judy) Franks of Bolivar, Sandy McCoy of New Philadelphia, and Norma Franks of Bolivar as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Dean Gerber, and a brother-in-law, Dick McCoy.

The family will greet guests on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A celebration of Gary’s life will be led by Pastor Keith Kuhl on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Burial in Ft. Laurens Cemetery will follow. A meal and fellowship will be shared in the Social Hall of the East Sparta Church of Christ.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the East Sparta Church of Christ, 4796 Cross Roads Rd NE, Magnolia, OH 44643.