Francis Schmelz

Francis J. "Frank" Schmelz, 86, of New Albany passed away on May 21, 2012. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a devout Catholic, Frank was a charter member of Holy Family Catholic Church in New Albany. Frank formerly owned New Albany Auto Body Repair Shop in New Albany and was a former teacher of auto body mechanics at Prosser School of Technology and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. A trusted expert in his field, he was a man of his word who left a legacy of hard work, common sense, and honesty.

Frank was born on July 23, 1925 in Georgetown, Indiana to the late Aloysius W. and Grace (Miller) Schmelz. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude A. "Trudy" Schmelz, and brother, Leo Schmelz.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda C. Patton (Doyle) of Crestwood, Kentucky; son, Stephen F. Schmelz (Gayle) of New Albany; brothers, Edward Schmelz ( Lorena) of Lexington, Kentucky and Fr. Damian Schmelz of St. Henry, Indiana; sister-in-law, Ruby Schmelz of Corydon, Indiana; grandchildren, Brian Schmelz (Leslie) and Patrick Schmelz; and great grandchildren, Evan and Connor.

His Visitation will be 1 to 8 PM Friday, May 25, 2012 at Newcomer Funeral Home (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany) with a Prayer Service at 7 PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday at Holy Family Catholic Church (129 West Daisy Lane, New Albany) with burial and military honors to follow at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park in New Albany.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hosparus – the Community Hospice of Southern Indiana (624 East Market Street, New Albany, IN 47150) or to Holy Family Catholic Church.