William Franklin Lenker

Frank was born on November 4, 1936, to Roy and Mary “Edna” Lenker. On November 11, 1954, he married Ethel Rhotehamel. Their early years took them to California, where Frank worked as a painter, followed by time back in Indiana at the Body Company in Union City. Eventually, they bought the family farm near Rossburg and created a life together on the farm.

Farming was a way of life for Frank. Even after retiring into town in Greenville, the rhythms of farm life never left him. Independent (and a little stubborn) by nature, Frank had no interest in slowing down. Just days before his illness, Frank was still mowing ditches and riding in the combine at harvest, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday.

True to his name, Frank was nothing if not frank. He loved good company and a good story, and he rarely held back an honest opinion. You never had to wonder where you stood with him, yet his directness came with a warm heart and a genuine desire to see people do well. Whether offering practical wisdom to young men starting out or swapping stories over breakfast at restaurants, Frank spoke with the kind of common-sense clarity that stayed with you long after the conversation ended.

Underpinning his plainspoken nature was a deep, steady Christian faith. That faith guided him through seasons of joy and sustained him through unimaginable sorrow. Together, Frank and Ethel celebrated a lifetime of blessings, including their 70th anniversary in 2024. They also endured life’s heaviest heartbreaks, walking together through the devastating loss of their two daughters, Debbie and Lori, and grandson, Ben. Through it all, Frank trusted in God’s quiet strength and eternal promises.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Ethel; his daughter and son-in-law, Toni and Sam Custer; sons-in-law, Patrick Evers and Joseph Klingshirn; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Edna Lenker, his daughters, Deborah Evers and Lori Klingshirn, and his grandson, Benjamin Klingshirn.

In keeping with Frank’s wishes, there will be no traditional funeral service. At Ethel’s request, a simple Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving will be held at Greenville Missionary Church on Saturday, October 24th at 10:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Frank’s life, his Christian faith, and the many ways he touched others' lives. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Lenker family.