Franklin Persinger

What makes a good man? A hard worker. Someone who stands for their beliefs and knows everyone is entitled to their opinion. Someone who loves God and showed that, working his garden, tending his yard, quiet evenings watching the sky change colors, occasional walks in the rain, watching a western, and listening to southern quartet gospel music. That was Frank.

Franklin "Frank" L. Persinger, 78, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Frank was born on December 24, 1946, to the late Chet Persinger and Margaret (Hawkins) Smith, in Marion. He worked for Essex as a maintenance supervisor for 30 years before retiring in 2009. In his younger days, he worked for the Egg Plant, and both the fire department and police department in Van Buren, and he owned a gas station.

Frank enjoyed woodworking, camping, and playing checkers on his handheld game. For many years, Frank was known as the tractor man to many of the kids who spent their weekends camping at Hidden Lake. Even after his health declined, Frank still liked spending Fridays and Saturdays there talking to his friends and drinking coffee with Mike Clifford.

Frank has moved on, but his silly jokes, off-the-wall comments, and his bossiness will always be memories of those who loved him.

He is survived by his soulmate, Deborah "Debbie" Persinger, Jonesboro; his sons, Jared Persinger, Jonesboro; Chad Persinger, Ossian; and Chris (Kathy) Persinger, Van Buren; his favorite daughter, Vicki (Brad) Zeddis, Ossian; grandchildren, Chelsea (Brandon) Whitman, Ericka (Chris) Scott, Luke (Mara) Zeddis, Kyle (Emma) Zeddis; great-grandchildren, Cadence, Caroline, Hadley, Michael, Della, Ada, Langston, and James; siblings, Gladys (Jim) Amos, and Jonathon Persinger, and special dog Dodge.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; step-dad, Harlan Smith, 3 brothers; and 3 sisters.

Arrangements for Frank were entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebrations Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4601 South Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953, where on Sunday, July 27, 2025, there will be a visitation held from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., with the funeral beginning at 4:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions in honor of Frank may be made to Make-A-Wish America - Gift Processing 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400 Phoenix, AZ 85016 or to Green Township Volunteer Fire Department, 9020 W. 900 S. Fairmount, IN 46928.

Online condolences and memories may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.