Gene L. Frank, 88, formerly of 2001 Ivy Court, Saint Marys, and a resident of the Valley Nursing Home in Saint Marys, died 12:05 P.M. Monday, March 14, 2011, at the Valley Nursing Home.

He was born July 24, 1922, in Montezuma, Ohio, the son of Raymond and Dora (Lacy) Frank.

He married Waneta Schroer on May 20, 1945; she preceded him in death on November 3, 2001.

He is survived by his three children: Mike (Judy) Frank of Saint Marys; Anita (Floyd) Melby of Holland, Ohio; Terrie (Russ) Burd of Xenia, Ohio; by seven grandchildren: Michelle Karadsheh of Columbus; Julie (Gerrry) Bush of Beavercreek; Lisa (Tony) Graci of Springboro; John (Lisa) Melby of Holland, Ohio; Suzanne (Aaron) Geckle of Cincinnati; David Frank of Medina; Jenna Frank of Virginia Beach, Virginia; by 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters: Freda Knapke and Dorothy Andrews.

Gene was a 1940 graduate of Celina High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps, 3^rd Division, 21^st Regiment, during WW II and was in the third wave of Marines to storm the beach at Iwo Jima; he also fought at Guadalcanal, Guam, and Bouganville.

Gene was the retired owner of Saint Marys Appliance Center. He was a member of Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ in Saint Marys, where he had previously taught Sunday School and served on the consistory of the church. He loved nature, cutting wood, woodworking and was an avid fisherman. For many years he owned a cottage on Pelee Island, Canada and took many family vacations there. He will be remembered as a very happy man who was always content.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, March 18, 2011, at the Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ in Saint Marys, the Reverend Ed Bray, officiant. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Thursday at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, where memorial donations may be directed to Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ Endowment Fund.