Franklin Phillips

FRANKLIN AUSTIN PHILLIPS May 1, 1944 - July 9, 2016 It is with deepest sadness that I share that my loving husband, Frank, passed on July 9, the eve of our 35th wedding anniversary. Frank was a Vietnam War veteran. He built racing tires for Bridgestone-Firestone, was an accomplished carpenter, avid fisherman, and proud to be a 32nd degree Mason. Frank was a wonderfully caring man who opened his heart and home to my sister, Joyce Cook, who has Down Syndrome. To mourn his passing Frank leaves me, Marsene (Cook) Phillips; his daughter, Melissa Diekmann (Mark); grandchildren Matthew, Krista and Allyson (triplets); daughter, Stephanie Butler (Brian) and granddaughter, Mikayla Meza. Sharing our grief are his sisters and brothers: Viola Legge (Bob), Nina Hatch, Lester Phillips, Robert Phillips (Deb), Roberta Miller (Steve), Homer Phillips (Phyllis), Olson Phillips (Colleen) and Ginny Tomeka (Lenny). Frank's father and mother, Austin and Rowena Phillips; sister, Mildred Durbin; and brother, Donald Phillips, preceded him in death. Frank's loving family includes mother-in-law, Claire Cook; and brothers and sisters-in-law: James and Claudia Markwald, Donald Cook, Christine and Lynn Cook-Ward, Michael and Maureen Wartko, Joanne Cook, and Joyce Cook. Father- in-law, Donald Cook; sister-in-law, Janice Cook; and nephew, Robert Markwald, also preceded Frank in death. He leaves behind many dear nieces and nephews. Nephews Michael and David Dellosa and Michael Wartko were like his own children. Heartfelt thanks to niece Luanne (Eric) Pirogowicz and to Frank's physician and family friend, Gayleen Kolaczewski, M.D., who stood by his side during his most recent illness. There will be a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial donations to: The Blick Center, 640 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303, http://www.blickcenter.org/#home.