Obituary of Gene Raymond Frank, Sr.

Gene Raymond Frank was born on September 2, 1944, in Monroe, Michigan.  He was one of three children born to the union of Raymond and Phyllis (Dussia) Frank.  Gene attended Monroe High School, graduating with the class of 1962.

On October 10, 1964, Gene married the love of his life; the former Joyce Loomis.  The couple met while still in high school with Joyce being selected as the first Homecoming Queen of Erie Mason High School. Together they were blessed with four children.  Gene worked for more than thirty-seven years as a semi-truck driver hauling cars. A member of the Truck Drivers Local Union #299, he was employed by E and L Transport until his retirement in 2006.

Gene loved hauling cars and was very proud to have received numerous awards for his perfect driving record.  He was often the person that taught new drivers the “art” of hauling cars safely and properly. He taught his boys how to wrench on a diesel engine and many times they wrenched together on one of Gene’s own rigs that he owned and operated. Gene had a special emotional bond with his only daughter, Jodie and he always referred to her as his “babydoll”. When the two would part ways Gene would always say “bye babydoll be careful”. When Gene wasn’t on the road delivery cars he loved spending time in his yard whether he was trimming bushes, tending to the flowers or mowing the grass. He also loved to watch old western movies with Bonanza and Gunsmoke being at the top of his all-time favorites. He would also spend time playing “Mob Wars” on his computer.  Gene and Joyce were inseparable. The couple loved to fish on Lake Erie for perch and spend time at their home at Terra Ceia Manor in Palmetto, Florida where Gene was elected to sit on the board of the gated community because everyone loved him. Gene was a true jokester with a great sense of humor. and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. 

Gene Raymond Frank, age 79 passed away at his son and daughter in law's house Jamie and Rachel on Wednesday; October 25, 2023. His passing was preceded by his loving wife: Joyce on January 2, 2019; a son: Troy Frank; parents; Raymond and Phyllis Frank; a brother: Charles Frank; and his brother-in-law: Jerry Loomis.

To cherish Gene’s memory, he leaves a daughter: Jodie (Darin) Bowman of Monroe, Michigan; two sons: Gene (Michelle) Frank Jr, of Erie, and James (Rachel) Frank of Erie; a sister: Janet Loomis of LaSalle, Michigan; nine grandchildren: Andrew and Matthew Frank, Ava Young, Ian, Evan, and Emma Frank, Bailey Brancheau, Jacob Willets, and Jenner Bowman; and two great grandchildren; Brielle and Ronan Frank.

Friends may gather for a Graveside service at 2:30pm on Monday; October 30, 2023, at Roselawn Memorial Park; 13200 South Dixie Highway, LaSalle, Michigan 48145.  Gene’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199.

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