Frank B. Elias

Frank B. Elias, age 91, died Saturday April 24, 2021 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital following a brief illness.

Born August 27, 1929 in Chicago, IL. to Frank Bourns Elias, Sr. and  Carolyn Priscilla (Russler) Elias, Frank's family moved to Mansfield, OH in the early 1930's. He became a long time resident of Shelby, OH in 1977, when he married his second wife and the love of his life, Janice (Cooke) Elias. 

Frank graduated from Mansfield Senior High in 1947 and graduated from Ashland University after attending Kenyon and Wittenberg. His early education was received from St. Peter's Grade School and John Simpson Junior High.  

After graduating with a Pre-Med degree and trying to work in career areas of sales, photography and welding jobs, Frank settled into his calling in the field of chemistry/metallury-leading cutting edge and innovative installations of electroplating, wastewater treatment, heat treating and electrostatic painting installations. From his humble start as Assistant Chief Chemist at a local steel mill, Frank later partnered with a nearby government contracting facility. He subsequently accepted a position in Columbus, OH at Capital Manufacturing, charged with maintaining their multi-state electroplating and wastewater treatment operations. Additionally, he and his wife Janice co-owned and operated Shelby Electroplating. After "retiring" at age 72, Frank stayed busy maintaining several rental properties and a handyman business.   

Frank's early years were spent enjoying life as an altar boy, Boy Scout and athlete. He participated in high school football, track and boxing, then football and swimming teams at college. He was active in Boy Scouts with the Blockhouse Troop 6 and was among the first 140 scouts in Mansfield to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. 

As an adult, Frank was a member of the American Society for Metals, American Chemical and Electroplating Societies. He was a lifelong charter member and past Grand Knight of K of C Council 4448 (Mansfield) and member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby. He was an endowment member of the National Rifle Association.    

Blessed with a long and healthy life, Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janice, brother and sister-in-law, Donald (Charlene) Elias, his son Robert Elias, two granddaughters,  Kristen Lyon and Melanie Miller Hodges; his adored Aunt Hilda and Uncle John Byrne; his son-in-law Brian Adair; his stepson Michael Eshelman and a long list of cherished family and friends.  

With his signature exit words, "I'll see ya some sunny day", Frank leaves behind seven children from his first wife; Marcela Applegate of Florida, Patricia Adair of Mansfield, Frank Elias III of Lucas, Carolyn (John) Keogh of Mifflin Lake, John Elias of Mansfield, Hidagard (Kevin) Painter of Bellville, James (Susan) Elias of Burbank, OH; stepchildren Michelle (Gary) Hockenberry of Shelby; Scott Eshelman of Crestline, as well as beloved grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren numbering over one hundred.  

Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday April 28, 2021 at the Barkdull Funeral Home and Crematory in Shelby. Father Chris Mileski will officiate with interment in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Memorial expressions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West St., Shelby, OH. 

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