Howard "Gene" Franz, 90, of Springfield, departed his earthly home and entered the presence of his Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior, on Friday, January 4, 2013. Gene was born on January 31, 1922 in Jacksonville, IL, the son of Allen and Susan (Schneider) Franz. He married Phyllis M. Schuster on May 5, 1951, in Brownhelm, OH. They celebrated 61 years of marriage together, she survives him. Gene proudly served our country in WWII, where he earned a Purple Heart. He worked as a letter carrier for the United States Post Office Postal Branch #80. He was a member of Hope Evangelical Free Church. Also surviving him is his children; Kathy (Tim) Ferguson of Oglethorpe, GA, Marybeth (Tom) Reamsnyder of Richmond, Va, James (Janette) Franz of Chatham, 5 grandchildren T.J., Cari, Tricia, Abby, and Kate, sister-in-law, Pat Franz of FL, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, 1 granddaughter, Tiffanie Ferguson, siblings; Bettie (Al) Carter, Arthur Allen Franz, Henry "Hank" Franz. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 10 am at Southern View Chapel, 4500 S Second St Springfield IL 62703. Rev. Harold Green and Rev. Tim Ferguson will celebrate his life. A visitation will take place from 9 am until the time of service. Inurnment will follow the services at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brazilian Gospel Fellowship Mission. Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com