Lester "Sonny" Douglas Frank, 82, of Petersburg passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, March 25, 2018, doing what he loved, splitting fire wood on his farm.

He was born at home on Dec. 14, 1935 to the late Lester H. Frank and Libbie Murdock (Heiden). As a young man, Sonny was baptized and confirmed at West Ida Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Sonny graduated from Ida High School in 1954. In 1955, he attended Michigan State College, completing courses in agriculture. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Korea from 1959-1960.

Professionally, Sonny worked for his father's business, Les Frank Incorporated, an automobile dealership in Blissfield, from 1959-1976; he also dabbled in real estate. In 1976, he started working as the auto part manager for Knapp Motors in Blissfield, later retiring in 1999. Sonny served as a volunteer for the Blissfield Township Fire Department for 10 years. He had a fondness for the auto industry and continued to deliver auto parts for Fort Megis Auto Electric in Toledo from 1999 to present day.

On Feb. 16, 1963, he married Mary Louella Frank (Taylor) at Zion Lutheran Church in Ottawa Lake. Sonny, Mary and their two children, Sheila and Mike, lived in Blissfield before settling on their family farm in Petersburg in 1976.

Sonny lived a long full life, making the most of each day. He loved spending time outdoors, tending to his farm, gardening, and splitting firewood. He enjoyed taking long weekend drives with his wife, playing cards and traveling whenever possible. He delighted in helping his children, whether it was fixing a tractor or constructing a pool shed. Sonny adored his grandchildren, attending all of their academic, athletic and life events.

Sonny had a knack for cultivating relationships, never meeting a stranger, just people yet to become friends. He never turned down an adventure, no matter how big or small. Sonny had an uplifting spirit and never missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand or tell a joke.

To cherish his memory, Sonny leaves his wife of the past 55 years, Mary; his two children, Sheila (Randy) Montri of Ida and Mike (Regina) Frank of Petersburg; as well as six grandchildren: Kendra (Chad Zunich) Montri, Brianna (Chris Barth) Frank, Daniel Montri, Henna Frank, Jonathan Frank, Ella Frank; two great-grandchildren, Christopher (Cash) Barth and Robert (Riggs) Barth; a stepmother, Corris "Jean" Frank of Blissfield; one sister, Barb Steinman of Monroe; one stepsister, Sandy Perry of Athens; one stepbrother, Tim (Pat) Scheurer of Clinton; and two beloved grandpups: Bill and Chaqueta.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his father and mother in-law, Frank and Thelma Taylor.

Friends may gather 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Capaul Funeral Home, 8216 Ida West Rd. (734) 269-3575. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2018, also at Capaul's. Pastor Emily Frank will officiate. Procession will follow to Pleasant View Cemetery in Summerfield. A memorial luncheon will immediately follow at VFW Post 6509 in Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to be donated at their discretion.

Sonny wouldn't want his loss to be mourned with sadness but celebrated with laughter and joy.