Franklin Lawrence Dear, 92, of rural Columbia City, died at 11:35 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2015, at his home.

He was born March 12, 1923, in Lewistown, Ohio, a son of Benjamin Franklin and Jennie Florence (Mahan) Dear. At the age of four, his family moved to Indiana. He was educated at the Huffman Grade School, McClellan and West Ward School and completed his education at Columbia City High School.

On Jan. 22, 1943, he was inducted in the United States Army, serving as a Sgt. in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy during World War II. He was honorably discharged Dec. 10, 1945. On April 17, 1948, he was united in marriage to Betty E. Braddock. They have always made their home in Columbia City.

Following his military discharge, he worked at Whitley Products, STAFCO and drove truck for Perry Bunch, Dailey Express and then Central Steel for over 19 years, retiring in 1980. His memberships included American Legion Post #98 and V.F.W. Post #5582. He participated in the Honor Flight in 2013, touring the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

Surviving relatives include his wife of nearly 67 years: Betty; five children: Brenda (Gene) Carter, Columbia City; Tony Dear, Columbia City; Karen Rust, Anniston, Ala.; Candace (Ron) Hull, Columbia City; and Michael (Beate) Dear, Columbia City; 14 grandchildren: Tom Carter, David Carter, Jodie (Casey) Craig, Brandy (Matt) Martin, Eric Rust, Ernie (Ashley) Rust, Brady Hull, Chelsey Hull, Taylor Hull, Cory Dear, Brooke Dear, Adam Lemon, Brooke Lemon and Colton Lemon; and 10 great-grandchildren: Kaleigh and Cameron Craig; Johnathan and Connor Martin; Hannah and Ernie Rust; Simon Kilgore; Allyson Dear; Brynleigh Bishop; and Cash Sanders.

He was preceded in death by a great-grandson: Logan Wade Martin; a brother: John Dear; and six sisters: Dorothy Hauptmeyer, Doris Britton, Evelyn Groves, Lenora Walker, Margaret Mumma and Lois Osgood.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 26, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the funeral home.

The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.

Preferred memorials are to Honor Flight.