Franklin Delano Reser

Frank was born December 16, 1936, in Allegan County, MI, to Ernest Medford & Rebecca Anna (Baughman) Reser. Frank attended Saranac Schools. On August 10, 1957, he married Patricia Womboldt, in Muir, MI.

Frank worked at Ionia Manufacturing, Gibson Products of Belding (earning his Millwright), and then spent 23 years until his retirement working as a Millwright for General Motors in Grand Rapids, MI. In addition to working full-time, he began his own residential HVAC business in the early 1960’s, Reser Heating & Cooling, which is still in operation today.

Frank was an active member of the Clarksville community serving as a Cub Scout & Boy Scout Leader, as a volunteer with Clarksville Fire Dept (‘70s), as a member of Clarksville & South Boston Bible Churches, with Clarksville Little League & Pony Leagues, on the Village of Clarksville Planning Commission and many decades on the Clarksville Ox Roast Committee.

Frank is most well-known for being the man who “Cooked the Ox” for the Clarksville Ox Roast festivities. Firing up the cooker on Friday evening, a full 24 hours prior to serving time, loading the cooker with the Ox, seasoning the meat with the, still SECRET, Ox Roast Seasoning, tending the fire and keeping the temperature up overnight, all this, so sandwiches could be served to the public on time Saturday evening. He proudly held this post for more than 50 years (circa 1969). His legacy will live on as his son, grandson, and other family members will be carrying on this tradition, but his absence on the 2nd Saturday in August will be felt for many, many years to come.

Frank was an avid Indy 500 race fan having spent 30+ consecutive years during the month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) watching qualifications and/or the race itself; first, attending with friends in the 1950’s & 1960’s; then taking his sons and other family members during the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s & 00’s. Since he stopped attending, children and grandchildren have been faithful attendees of May festivities of some sort. Several having attended the 90th & 100th running of the race—always remembering to “bring back a program for Dad”. His love for The Greatest Spectacle in Racing has been passed on to the next 3 generations, though not everyone is as big an AJ Foyt fan as Frank was. It is fitting that Frank passed on “race weekend”, as he will always be remembered as family members attend or watch race festivities.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wilbur (& wife, Estelle), Benjamin (& wife, Wilma), Harry (WWII KIA), LeRoy, and Larry; sister, Hilda; and grandson, John Reser.

Surviving are his wife of almost 64 years, Patricia; children: Terry (Terri) Reser of Portland, MI, Deanna (Doug) Kinsman of Lewisburg, TN, Elizabeth Annette (Kevin) Sellers of Remus, MI, Brian (Alice) Reser of Clarksville, MI, David (Dawn) Reser of Lake Odessa, MI, & Forrest Daniel Reser of Clarksville; 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are his sister, Wilma Running (101), of Battle Creek, MI; sister-in-law, Patricia K. Reser of Clarksville, MI; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Jerrold & Pamela Womboldt, Sr. of Muir, MI, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal funeral service will be held. There will be a CELEBRATION OF LIFE OPEN HOUSE in Frank’s honor on Saturday, June 26, 2021, from 1:00 pm - ??? at The Reser Home, 150 West High Street, Clarksville, MI. The family welcomes anyone who knew Frank or his immediate family members to join them for an afternoon of food and fellowship.

A Facebook Page entitled: Franklin Delano Reser: A Life Celebration was set up to share memories, photos, & condolences. Memorial Contributions can be made to: Clarksville Ox Roast, c/o Mark Temple, 6396 W Clarksville Rd, Clarksville, MI 48815 OR Clarksville Fire & Rescue, 8325 Robbins Rd, Clarksville, MI 48815. Cards of condolence can be sent to Pat Reser, PO Box 74, Clarksville, MI 48815.