Richard D. Frantz, 82, of Liberty Center, passed away on Friday evening, Oct. 23, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Richard was born on Jan. 5, 1944, in Wells County to Lawrence and Velva (Meredith) Frantz. He graduated from Liberty Center High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during Vietnam. Upon returning home, Richard worked for Wells Community Hospital and Caylor Nickel Clinic in the maintenance departments for 35 years.
Richard was a lifelong member of Liberty Center Baptist Church, along with being a member of the American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton.
On Sept. 1, 1969, Richard and Vicki L. Masterson were married in Liberty Center. They shared 43 years of marriage before Vicki’s passing on Dec. 22, 2012.
Survivors include his daughter, Kendra (Tim) Baumgartner of Poneto, three grandchildren, Nattasha Baumgartner, Jessyca Baumgartner and Dustyn (Carly) Baumgartner, two great-grandchildren with another on the way! He is also survived by his brother, Fred (Cindea) Frantz of Liberty Center.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Vicki Frantz, and sister, Patricia Frantz.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home with Pastor Aaron Westfall officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton with military honors by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton.
Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Southern Wells Athletic Department, Liberty Center Park or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.