Ronald Frantz Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel Inc on Jul. 4, 2025.
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In Loving Memory of Ronald Phares Frantz (Ronnie, Ron, BONDO)
Ronald Phares Frantz, 76, of Mackey, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 2, 2025, at home surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. He was a devoted husband, proud father, cherished grandfather, beloved brother, loyal uncle, veteran, and respected brother-in-law.
Born on March 25, 1949, in Evansville, Indiana, Ron was the son of the late John Phares Frantz and Audrey Alice Frantz (née Sanders). He was raised in a home rooted in faith, discipline, and hard work-qualities that defined the man he became.
Ron proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Seabee, where he embodied the spirit of dedication, craftsmanship, and service. His time in the military was a point of pride and lifelong identity. After his honorable service, Ron returned home and built a long career as a Body Man / Auto Painter, fabricator welder, coal miner, and maintenance personnel; he was known for his hands-on skills, steady presence, and work ethic.
He was also a proud Freemason, living out the values of fraternity, integrity, and community service. His commitment to these principles was evident in the way he lived every day-with purpose, humility, faith, and quiet generosity.
Outside of work, Ron had a lifelong love for dirt track racing, hot rods, and spending time in his beloved shop. That space was more than a workplace-it was his refuge, where he restored engines, built memories, and found joy in the hum of machinery and the smell of motor oil. He also enjoyed cooking, grilling and trying out recipes.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Terri Ann Frantz (née Rutledge); and his sons: Zachary Phares Frantz and Adam Joseph Frantz (Krista Deputy). He was a deeply proud Papaw to Kyah Renee Frantz, Zane Phares Frantz, and Kade Lamar Frantz who brought light, laughter, and purpose to his days. He is also survived by his brother, Ramond Allen Frantz, and his cherished nephews, Kenneth John Frantz (Steph) and Raymond Allen Frantz, Jr (Jeanna Goebel) and in-laws Joyce Ann (Rutledge) Wicks and husband Bobby Gene Wicks. Many other extended family members and friends will remember him with love, gratitude and pride.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Phares Frantz and Audrey Alice (Sanders) Frantz, in-laws, Evelyn Virginia (Schnarr) Rutledge and Edgar Ray Rutledge, sister-in-law, Frances K. Frantz, brothers, Kenneth John Frantz, Donald Ray Frantz (his twin), and nephews Jason Roger McCullough, and Brian Keith Williams.
A service to celebrate Ron's life will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Mackey Salem Church, in Mackey, Indiana. Visitation will take place on the same day from 10:00 AM to 1:45 PM, followed by a Masonic Ceremony at 1:45 PM. Interment will follow at Albright Cemetery. A meal will be provided for family, friends and relatives at the church following the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ron's memory to the Albright Cemetery Fund, honoring his deep connection to his roots, his community, and the land he so loved.
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