Lowell Alva Frantz, 91, of Smithville, died on Friday, February 16, 2024, at his home.
He was born on October 29, 1932, in Cleveland to Alva and Evelyn (Wulfman) Frantz. On June 6, 1959, he married Marilyn Bell. He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 64 years. Lowell proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed with the West Point Army Band during the Korean War.
Lowell received his Bachelor of Music degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in 1954 and Master’s degree from Vander-Cook College of Music in 1963. He had great talent on the euphonium and was an instructor for Baldwin-Wallace Summer Music Clinics for three years as well as a player in the West Point and Cleveland Municipal Bands. His musical talent, however, did not stop there. He was a tenor soloist with the West Point Post Chapel Choir from 1954-1957, sang with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, and was a tenor soloist with the Cleveland Lutheran Orchestra and Chorus for five years. Over his musical career, he has performed under Edwin Franco Goldman, George Szell, Louis Lane, Morton Gould, Frederick Ebbs, Ralph Schultz and Frank Simon.
Lowell was also a very active member of his local community. From 1957-1978, Lowell was a band and choir instructor in the Green Local School district as well as directed the choir at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Smithville for 17 years. He started the Debonairs Vocal Group, Wayne County Festival of Choirs and was a founding director of the Wayne County Band-O-Rama. Later in life he enjoyed playing in the Wooster Community Band with his wife, son, and grandson and singing with the Wooster Cantate Singers. Lowell was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Smithville Ruritans, and past Commander of the Smithville VFW. He was also a sales agent for Aid Association for Lutherans.
Aside from his passion for music, Lowell loved joking, reading, cooking, puttering around the house, and spending time with his family. He was unconditionally proud of his grandchildren (supplying them with ice cream, Reese’s Cups, and instrument repairs), loved being surrounded by them. He was an avid fan of Cleveland sports, politics and current events. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone, and truly modeled the Golden Rule in all he did.
Along with his wife, Lowell is survived by his sons Steven (Chin-Chin), Ron (Emily) and David (Petra); grandchildren Nathan, Michael, Selena, Eric, Elizabeth, Natalie and Stevie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Enid (Don) Sahl and Mari (Glenville) Thomas.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 777 S. Summit St., Smithville with Pastor Kristy Buyok officiating. Interment will follow in Smithville Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Thursday from 5:00-7:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Contributions may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 777 S. Summit St., Smithville, OH 44667.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
It was a joy and an honor to play alongside him in the Wooster band. A true gentleman; he will be missed.
He help me develop my love of music. Taught me from the very beginning how to play and care for an instrument. And more than that how it important to be a ‘team player” even in a band. From pep band,to stage band to orchestra and marching band. Working through the years with Mr. Frantz was hard work but worth each minute. He will surely be missed by the hundreds of lives he touched. Condolences to the family.
Ron…so very sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed reading the above post about your father. It gave me a brief glimpse into his life. My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time! Best Regards Rob Newman
He was kind and encouraging to this struggling trombonist in the Smithville High concert band, 1951-65; a generous man with a lovely sense of humor; and a wonderful neighbor. I was also privileged to be his paper boy for the Wooster Daily Record when he first came to town. Good to know of his joy for family and dedicated service to Smithville High.
So many good memories of Lowell, first, along with Marilyn, as my sponsors for confirmation at St. Paul’s. Then as great neighbors and later, as my band director. His humor and positive influence in the community was endless. He was a real cheerleader of the Smithville and Wayne County communities. I had the pleasure of sitting with him in his garage a couple of years ago during the spring garage sale day. We reminisced and shared a bit of laughter. We should all have the good fortune of leaving such a wonderful legacy behind.
So sorry to hear of Lowell’s passing, Dave. He was always so nice to us guys when we would come around your house growing up. My sisters loved singing for him in high school and you would never have guessed he had such an amazing background in music as he was very modest and so down to earth. He had an amazing life and lived such a long time. You were lucky to have him as your dad!
So sorry to hear about you dad. He was a good friend and we had a lot of good times together. I am sorry we won’t be able to attend the funeral as we are out of state and will not be home until Feb. 29th. Will try to get in contact when we get home.
Thoughts and Prayers with you and your family
I certainly enjoyed my association with Lowell and Marilyn. They both played in the Summer Community Band (Lowell with his Euphonium and Marilyn on the bass drum). Back in the mid 1990’s Lowell, Dave Plank (Euphonium), and I (Tuba) went around to area nursing homes before Christmas and played “Merry Tuba Christmas” music for the folks. Other folks added to our trio over the years. That was special! He was a great guy (& Marilyn is a great lady) with a wonderful family!
Lowell and Marilyn were among the first people Deb and I met when we came to St Paul’s in 1989. After that we became good friends. Many afternoons Lowell and I would meet for coffee with a couple others to solve the problems of the world. He talked me into getting out my trumpet to play with Ihim and the boys in church a couple of times. When he became an Aid Association for Lutherans agent we worked even more closely together. He was a a good friend and a real blessing.
To Lowell’s Family and Friends, Our deepest sympathies go out to you. May God, and the many good memories, sustain you; now and also in the future.. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your families. Sincere condolences from Art Beerys, Smithville, Ohio
During this past summer and fall when helping transport my grandson to many marching band practices and events in Indiana, I often thought of Mr. Frantz and how fortunate we were to have him as leader of the marching and concert bands at Smithville back in the 1960’s. It’s amazing how much he accomplished as the single instrumental director for the whole school system! Mr. Frantz and Mrs. Franks collaborated so well in developing a strong music program at Smithville, and were mentors for many. Mr. Frantz continued to take interest in his former students throughout adulthood and treated us as valued friends when our paths crossed occasionally throughout the decades.
Condolences to Mr. Frantz’s family. I was in band at Smithville with him as the director from 5th grade through high school. Did not know he was a founding director of the Band-A-Rama – one of the fun times each year in high school. I wish his family grace and peace. We now live out of state and are unable to attend the funeral.
I am so sorry to hear this, Steve, you are truly blessed to have him that long, I know we talked about him at our reunion, please know you are in my prayers as is your entire family. He was a great music teacher and touched many lives.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as you find a new normal, this upcoming year.
Katie Thomas
A life well lived. He truly was a kind and good man. Over the years we so enjoyed his beautiful voice at St. Paul church. Our prayers and love go out to Marilyn and all of the family. He will be missed.
I’m Chen shiue, Chin Chin’s cousin. I’m sorry to hear about the news. I’m also a Christian, so I want to share the Word of God to you. Hope your family be comforted.
In Bible 2 Timothy 4:7-8 says:
「I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.」
I’m touched to see the story of your life, and glad to see the life in God is blessed.
Although we don’t have chance to know each other, we are the same children of God. I believe we will definitely meet in the Heaven! God bless your family!
Goodby to my good high school classmate and buddy Lowell.So many good memories shared as we worked together at many jobs and owned our first car together named Lullabell. I wish everyone could have such a good friend in their lives as I did with Lowell. God bless your soul Lowell.
Owen
I am saddened to hear about the passing of “Mr. Frantz”. What a wonderful life he lived! I remember when he first came to Smithville. What a blessing he was to the students, school, and community! So many happy memories from 6th grade to graduation! He could easily be my favorite teacher!!
My thoughts and prayers to Marilyn and the family. I wish I could have traveled to attend the memorial, but my prayers are with you!
Steve, just found out today 2/24/2024 your dad passed away. Tried calling him two times this week. Was a good old friend and coffee friend with your dad & mom. Sorry for your lost and family. When you see your mom, tell her sorry for her loss for me.
To Family and friends I extend my sincerest condolences at the loss of this gentleman. He was a relative and friend and will truly be missed. Sincerely from the Jersey side of the Family, Bill Schmidt