Francis W. Kimrey

Francis "Frank" W. Kimrey, 90, passed away after a brief illness Wednesday June, 9, 2021. Frank, a devoted family man; in a recent interview, when asked to name his greatest accomplishment, he replied simply "my family. They've done everything right and I'm so proud of them". His family didn't need that interview to know that's how he felt. Every day he made that clear to them whether it was a smile, joke, hug, song, flowers, or compliment. You couldn't ask for a better man than Frank Kimrey.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Frank lived life to the fullest making friends with everyone he met. He shared his optimism and joy of life with his family, friends, and service organizations. Loyal and devoted in every aspect of his life, he worked hard, but never forgot the importance of playing just as hard. His first job was volunteering as a messenger riding his bike during air raid drills in WWII carrying messages from one place to another under the cover of darkness.
After high school, he attended The Ohio State University pursuing a degree in business. Before Frank could finish his degree, the United States government called him to service. Placing his country first, he proudly served the US Army as a tanker and a self-proclaimed "pencil pusher". He would say his greatest accomplishment in the Army was typing his own discharge papers. Although he never returned to OSU as a student, he remained a loyal and devoted fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes.
Frank later sold life insurance as a Certified Life Underwriter (CLU). While working for an insurance company as Vice President regional director, frequent travel threatened to impinge upon his family time, so he learned to fly and purchased a Cessna 172 to bring him home each night. The family had many adventures with that plane including watching fireworks from a bird's-eye view.
Frank was an avid golfer starting at a young age. Four times he achieved the much-coveted hole in one! He continued to love the game with his last game being the first annual Kenneth Monroe Memorial golf tournament on May 28, 2021 in honor of the recent passing of his beloved grandson-in-law, Ken.
He was a very active member with Antioch temple for 60 years, Frank was an Antioch Greeter, Jester, and served as President of the Antioch Greeters in 2002. He loved to travel with wife Donna and after her untimely passing, his second wife, Fran. He spent much of his time in Hilton Head, South Carolina vacationing in a condo that he co-owned for many years. He enjoyed trips to Europe and group cruises with friends. For the past several years, Frank has found much joy in the time he has spent at O'Leary's Pub & Grub. There he appreciated friends, conversation, coffee, and most importantly "a really good burger".

Frank's life will be celebrated by his daughter Kathy Dudley (Kimrey), son-in-law Walt Dudley, daughter Kristy Medina (Kimrey), son-in-law Juan Medina, granddaughter Emily Monroe (Dudley), granddaughter Shelby Ludwig, grandson Jonathon Medina, and sister Barbara Creech (Kimrey) as well as countless friends and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his wife Donna Kimrey (Scholz) (m. 1953-1987), mother Dorothy Kimrey (Hammond), wife Frances "Fran" Kimrey (Ruble) (m.1989-2015), and most recently grandson-in-law Kenneth "Ken" Monroe.

Family will receive guests from 5-8 PM on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Newcomer Funeral Home, Centerville Chapel (820 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, 45459). A Masonic Service followed by military honors will begin at 7:30 PM. A Celebration of Frank's life will begin at the conclusion of the military honors.

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