Franklin Asbury Kreps Ii

Franklin Asbury Kreps II passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, with his family by his side.

He was born in Indianapolis, IN, on May 22, 1954, to the late Franklin Asbury Kreps I and Gretchen (Moffitt) Kreps. As a child and into his adult years, he grew up with a strong Christian faith. He attended and was baptized at North Christian Church in Columbus, IN. Frank lived his early years in Columbus, IN. and the past thirty-one years in Elizabeth, IN, with his devoted partner and love of his life, Bettye Dunham.

Frank graduated from Columbus High School in 1972, and as a young man he managed the Elks Lodge & Columbus Bar. Later, he served as a Case Coordinator with both DSI in Columbus, IN, and with New Hope Services in Jeffersonville, IN. He obtained a Communications degree from IUS in New Albany, IN, and subsequently worked as Case Coordinator at Rauch Adult Development Activities and at Rauch Industries in New Albany. His last job before retirement was with Hazelwood, a New Vista Community, in Louisville, KY. He found that caring for and being a companion to those individuals with intellectual disabilities was the most gratifying work of his lifetime.

Frank believed in being honest and doing the right thing. His family was the most important thing to him, and he spoke with pride of his relationships with his two daughters and six grandchildren. He always made time for his family and planned special activities with them, even while living in a different town. He loved being surrounded with the sounds of his grandchildren’s laughter. He was known to have said, “those moments brought him the most joy.”

Frank loved to read and especially appreciated modern literature. He enjoyed watching silent movies, and he listened to music of all genres. He acquired a large, diverse collection of books, movies and music cd’s over the years. He was passionate about learning, especially about fine art, art history and archaeology. Other interests included cooking and traveling and he was a longstanding Philadelphia 76ers basketball fan. He was a very sociable and outgoing man and made acquaintances wherever he went. He had many friends over the years and he remained in close contact with most of them throughout his lifetime.

Survivors include his beloved partner of 34 years, Bettye Dunham of Elizabeth, IN; his daughters Katina (Benjamin) Tooley and Kori Beth Babb of Columbus, IN; his grandchildren Logan Kaisher, Lake Kaisher and Kaden Tooley of Columbus, IN, Paige Babb of Indianapolis, IN, Payton Babb of Charlotte, NC, Gretchen Babb of Wellington, FL; his brother Bart (Jeri Lynn) Kreps of Columbus, IN; his nieces Kaitlin Downs of Columbus, IN, and Kelsey Kreps of Indianapolis, IN; his great nephew Maddox Downs of Columbus, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date, to be determined.

Expressions of condolence may take the form of contributions to a charity of your choice.


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