Franklin T. Diss, 87 of Taylorville, formerly of Owaneco, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020 surrounded by his family in his home. He was born on May 26, 1933 in Taylorville, the son of Chauncey Mitchell and Ruby Pearl (Fortner) Diss Sr. He married Christine Carlton on June 22, 1952 in the Owaneco United Methodist Church.
He graduated from Taylorville High School in 1951 where he played football, basketball, baseball, and track. Frank served in the United States Army, Signal Corps during the Korean War. In recognition of his service, he took part in a honor flight with his fellow veterans, a trip that he forever cherished. Frank worked many jobs throughout the years including the Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company, worked with Bill Tex doing construction, and at the Wempen Lumber Yards in Assumption and Moweaqua. Farming was always a key part of Frank’s life. He was a dairy farmer on his father-in-law’s farm for many years and worked for SoHiGro in Millersville. Frank worked for the Christian County Jail where he was the first jailer to earn his certification through PTI. Later in life Frank worked many years for his nephew at J.M. Diss Construction in Finlay. Frank was a talented woodworker and enjoyed building furniture. He was a member of the Taylorville Area Woodworkers. He was an active member of the Owaneco First United Methodist Church where he served many roles including Administrative Board, Sunday School Teacher, and sang in the choir.
He is survived by his wife: Christine Diss of Taylorville; daughter: Cindy Diss of Taylorville; son: Daniel Diss of Wheaton; sisters: Mary Lawyer of Owaneco and June Crane of Sun City, California; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law: Alice and Herman Carlton; and siblings: Jack Diss, Chauncey Diss Jr., Ruth Flemming, Kenneth Diss, and Jesse Diss.
Frank will be cremated, and a memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 1:30pm until 3:00pm at the Owaneco United Methodist Church. Due to the pandemic, all guidelines will be followed including social distancing and the use of masks. Memorials may be left to the Owaneco United Methodist Church.
McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Frank, or condolences to the family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
