Frank W. "Frankie" Creighton

Frank W. “Frankie” Creighton, 83 years old, passed away at 10:10 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.  Frankie was born on December 3, 1934 in Anderson, IN to the late Floyd and Dorthy (Shuppert) Creighton.  He has been a lifetime resident of Lakeville.  On October 1, 1955 in Lakeville, Frankie and Marilyn J. Stealy were united in marriage. 

Along with his loving wife of 62 years, Marilyn, he is survived by their daughter, Rhonda L. Creighton of Lakeville; granddaughter, Kelsey L. (Jordan) Miller of Lakeville; two great grandchildren, Gretchen and Colin Miller; two sisters, Avis Bachofer of Cordova, CA and Dorothy Wiltrout of South Bend; two brothers-in-law, Ron (JoAnn) Stealy of South Bend and Roger (Susie) Stealy of Bremen; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Frankie was the former owner and operator of Frankie’s Shell Service Station in Lakeville in the early 1970’s.  He was also the owner of Crate-n-Caboodle convenience store.  Frankie has been a school bus driver for Union-North United School Corporation for over 40 years.  He managed the concessions and general store at Potato Creek State Park for 12 years and continued his employment with the grounds crew for another 10 years.  More recently, Frankie worked at Amish Acres where he drove the horse and buggy for the tourists while educating children visiting for field trips about the old equipment and machinery. 

Frankie was a member of the Class of 1953 from Lakeville High School.  He was the trustee at Porter Rae Cemetery for many years.  He took pride as the campaign manager for State Representative Richard Mangus.  Frankie was a member of the Lakeville Lions Club and volunteered with the Lakeville Fire Department for 27 years, five of which he served as Fire Chief.  He was a member of the Union Township Advisory Board for 22 years and a member of the former Lakeville Businessman’s Association.  Frankie was an advocate for LaVille schools and the athletic program. He loved animals and supported the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair.  He enjoyed helping his granddaughter and great grandchildren with their 4-H animal projects.  Most importantly, Frankie loved his family and will be missed dearly. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Palmer Funeral Home, within the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan Street, Lakeville, IN.  Pastor Brian White will officiate.  Graveside services and burial will follow at Porter Rae Cemetery within Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty.  Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 22nd, at the Palmer Funeral Home, Lakeville. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Frank W. Creighton may be donated to the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box  223, Lakeville, IN  46536.  Online condolences may be offered to the Creighton family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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