Frank Edwards

Franklin (Frank) Earl Edwards, 86, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on July 5, 2026. He was born February 7, 1940, in East Liverpool, Ohio, to Frank and Angie Edwards, who preceded him in death. Franklin was a 1959 graduate of Kenmore High School.

Franklin is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Karen Lynn (Bishop) Edwards, whom he married in 1960. He is also survived by his children: Frank III; Michelle; Scott; Patrick (Deneale DeLorenzo); Heather (Don Martin); Tiffany; Elizabeth (Ryan Hornor); and Graham (Samantha); as well as 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He will also be dearly missed by his siblings: George (Deanna), Mary Ann (Donald Martin), Roberta (Michael Wiener), Richard (Michele), and Nancy (Gabe Spil); along with numerous nieces and nephews, and his dear friend Homer Cummings.

A master woodworker, Franklin spent much of his life building fine furniture and cabinetry, and in his later years found new joy in carving decoys. His talents extended far beyond the workshop — he built soap box derby cars and designed costumes for the masquerade ball, bringing the same care and craftsmanship to every project he touched. A lover of classical music, he found peace and beauty in its every note. In his later years, his son Frank III was his steady companion and caregiver, a special bond for which the family is deeply grateful.

As I write my father's obituary, I remember the man who taught me how to sink a finishing nail without leaving a disturbance to the surrounding wood, the man who surprised me with my Frye boots when I was a junior in high school, the man who bartered with the merchants at closing time at the West Side Market, and in the end showed me the fragility and vulnerability of each of us. Come along, sweet Papa, we can take one last slow drive to Country Maid and have a butter pecan ice cream in a sugar cone.

Rest well, sweet Papa.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, July, 14, 2026 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Newcomer, Akron Chapel, 131 N. Canton Rd. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Frank or leave a special message with his family, please visit the guest book below.