Col. Franklin James Scherer, Ret.

July 26, 1933 - January 29, 2021

Col. Franklin J. Scherer, Ret., 87, passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends on January 29, 2021. Frank was born in Litchfield, Illinois on July 26, 1933 to the late Catherine and Casey Scherer. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, James Scherer. Frank came from a humble beginning yet he progressed through High School lettering in three sports and excelling as the president of his senior class. He graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois where he played football, basketball and was enlisted in the ROTC. He also met the love of his life, Lucinda “Tink”, during his time at Knox and they were happily married for 66 years. After graduating from Knox, he joined the U.S. Army and retired after 30 years of service as a full colonel. Frank received numerous commendations including the bronze star for meritorious service in a combat zone. Frank was an avid sports fan, especially football and Florida Gator sports. He was quick witted and rarely at a loss for a joke or a laugh. He was often willing to help friends and neighbors when called upon. He truly enjoyed golf and fishing. When asked why he stopped fishing he said “There aren’t any fish left. I caught them all”. Frank is survived by his wife, Tink; his eldest son, Frank J Scherer, II(Carol); his favorite daughter, Martha Scherer and his youngest son, John Scherer; 6 grandchildren, Frank Scherer III, Samantha Scherer, Matthew Scherer, Alexander MacLeod, John Casey Scherer Jr. and Riley Scherer. A celebration of Frank’s life will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 6, 2021 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Roger Dunnavan officiating. In keeping with the CDC Coronavirus guidelines every attendee must wear a mask and the number of attendees may be restricted. We ask that if you are at high risk, feeling ill, or traveling from an area with a high level of infection, please do not attend the service. Those unable to attend can view the service live streamed at https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/549019 . In lieu of flowers donation in Frank’s honor may be sent to Vitas Hospice, www.vitas.com or Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org . St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.