Franklin "Frank" David Wilson

Frank was an incredible husband, brother, brother-in-law, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend. He was born on January 10, 1941, and raised on Erie Street in the East End of East Liverpool, Ohio, by his loving parents, Ivor “Soap” and Audrey Mae Wilson, alongside his brother Jim.

Frank met the love of his life, Kathy Carnes, in high school. He often said he knew they were meant for each other after their very first school dance—though he would jokingly add that Kathy needed a little more convincing. Sixty-five years of marriage, three children—John, Lori, and Jason—eight grandchildren—Tyler, Haley, Michael, Benjamin, Alexus, Keisha, Luke, and Max—and one great-granddaughter, Scarlett, proved that he was right even at the age of 17.

After graduating from East Liverpool High School, Frank earned a baseball scholarship to The Ohio State University. He saw this opportunity as a pathway to a degree in education. He later returned to Ohio State to complete his master’s degree in education while he and Kathy were also starting a family. Though he was a talented baseball player, his true passion was learning and teaching. His love for Ohio State ran deep, with countless stories of perseverance, including time spent living in the stadium while finding a way to continue his education.

Frank and Kathy returned to East Liverpool, where they built a life centered on family, community, and strong neighborhood values.

Over a remarkable 49-year career in education and coaching, Frank impacted countless lives. He spent much of his career at Toronto High School in Toronto, Ohio, where he helped build the school’s first girls’ basketball program. What began as a request from a few determined students—and encouragement from Kathy at the dinner table—grew into a thriving and competitive program. Upon his retirement from Toronto, Frank often said how fortunate he was to love going to work every day.

He and Kathy then made the courageous decision to move to Columbus to be closer to their children and grandchildren. After a brief retirement, Frank answered a newspaper ad—famously applying on a napkin—and began a second chapter at Bishop Watterson High School. There, he taught government and coached girls’ basketball for another 14 years, once again forming deep connections with students, players, and colleagues.

While his accomplishments as a teacher and coach were extraordinary, those closest to him knew his greatest roles were as a devoted partner, dad, grandpa, and loyal friend. Frank was a steady, calming presence, offering thoughtful guidance in a way that made others feel they had found their own answers. He led with kindness, humility, and dignity, always teaching by example.

He had a gift for conversation, helping others see new perspectives, and was known for his sharp wit, sarcasm, and memorable one-liners—especially his oft-repeated reminder that “life isn’t fair,” a phrase that carries special meaning now.

Frank never fully realized the depth of his impact, but it lives on in the countless students, athletes, friends, and family members he guided and inspired. Above all, his greatest pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter, for whom his love knew no bounds.

Franklin David Wilson’s life was one of purpose, service, and love. His legacy will continue in the many lives he shaped and the family he cherished so deeply.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 3pm to 7pm at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43220, with a funeral service at the same location the following day, April 1, 2026, at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Research Hospital.

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