Francis E. Fairbanks

Francis E. Fairbanks, 89, of Gibsonburg and formerly of Helena, died Friday Oct. 13, 2017 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.

Born in Gibsonburg on Sept. 2, 1928, Francis was a son of Healon and Margaret (Cavanaugh) Fairbanks.  He graduated from Gibsonburg High School in 1946 and soon enlisted in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea during the Korean War.  Francis married his wife of over 61 years, Betty Zimmerman on Apr. 7, 1956.  Betty survives.

Francis was a farmer while also working at the Millersville Lime Plant where he was employed for 43 years, retiring in 1993.  He was a devout member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Gibsonburg and belonged to the Fremont VFW, the Gibsonburg American Legion and the Fremont Eagles.

Also surviving are children, Michael (Joe) of Corpus Christi, TX, Andrew of Columbus, Regina (John) Florio, Patricia (Dennis) Hickman and Julie (Brad) Farmer all of Gibsonburg; grandchildren, Tim (Hannah), Nickolas and Jacob Blausey, John (Amanda) and Gabe Hickman, Andrew Dellinger and Aidan Farmer; and great-granddaughter, Phoebe Hickman

Preceding him in death are his parents; son, Matthew who passed in 1957; and siblings James Fairbanks, Mary Von Eitzen, Regina Arcana and Helen Kirsch.

His family will be receiving friends on Thursday, Oct. 19, 4-8 p.m. at the Herman-Veh Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gibsonburg.  A Memorial Mass will be offered on Friday, Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church where a Quiet Time of Reflection will begin at 9:30 a.m.  Burial with Military Rites will follow at St Lawrence/St. Michael Cemetery, Gibsonburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Michael’s Catholic Church or ProMedica Hospice.