Franklin L Ledsworth

Franklin Leroy “Frank” Ledsworth, Jr., 84, of Fort Gratiot, died Tuesday, September 30, 2014.

He was born August 31, 1930 in Port Huron to the late Pearl and Franklin Ledsworth Sr. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 23 years, Joan, in 1973 and by his second wife of 33 years, Virginia, in 2007.

Frank was a machine repairman with Mueller Brass and retired after 35 years, during which time he held many union positions in Machinists Local 218, including twenty years as president. He was a devoted union member and one of his proudest accomplishments was, after years of hard bargaining, negotiating the machinist pension into their contract. Today many members, Mueller retirees and future employees will benefit as a result of his team’s accomplishments.

Frank served in the U.S. Navy and traveled the world, but didn’t stray often from his beloved home, where he would brag that he was the oldest person and only original resident of Parker Road. He was a member of American Legion Post 162 in Luzerne.

Frank enjoyed spending time in his barn and cabin, carpentry, making repairs, helping his kids, training his dogs and caring for his chickens. He earned the names “Husband,” “Dad,” “Grandpa,” “Papa” and “Grandpa Chicken.”

He is survived by his children, Catherine J. (Rick) Martin, Donald F. (Brenda) Ledsworth, Victor (Cathy) Olvera, Gigi (Edward) Becker, Andrea Watson and Ann Marie (Rick) Lomasney; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; a brother, Donald R. Ledsworth; and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his good friend and union buddy, Dick Cummings.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Norbert Ledsworth, and a sister Elizabeth Gregg.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2014 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. The Reverend Max Amstutz will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Water Area Humane Society.