Carl J. Franks

STOW- Carl, 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by family November 16, 2015.

He was born on April 9, 1946 in Cleveland. He moved to the Stow area in 1974 and was a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Carl graduated from Woodridge High School where he met and fell in love with his wife of 49 years, Karen. His love of the sea made him a proud Vietnam Vet of the Naval Reserve and later a pirate cruising the Caribbean jamming to island music. He retired from the National Park Service where he enjoyed his life-long love of the outdoors. His mischievous sense of humor made those around him feel loved and the love he had for his family will resonate for generations.

Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Franks and father, William Franks. He leaves behind his wife, Karen; brother, William (Andy); sons, Eric (Shellie), John (Stephanie); and grandchildren, Connor, Michael, Meghan and Aaron Franks; Samantha and Matthew Jacobs.

Friends are invited to Redmon Funeral Home for visitation Thursday, 5 to 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Park with military honors provided by Mogadore VFW Post 8487.