Franklin D. Schrader, 81, of Evansville, formerly of Columbia City, died Monday, March 30, 2015, at his home.

He was born June 17, 1933, in Whitley County, to the late Charles E. and Mary (Gaff) Schrader. He spent his formative years in Whitley County and graduated from Coesse High School. On July 13, 1953, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged on June 10, 1955. He was preceded in death by a first wife Gloria Joan Burke and second wife Ada Van Houten Roberts.

He worked for Dana Corp, Fort Wayne for eight years, and later, International Harvester/Navistar, where he had 21 years of service before retiring in 1983. For the past four years, he lived in Evansville. He was a member of Am Vets of Evansville, Eagles Evansville 4023, Order of Owls Nest 30, American Legion 265, VFW Post 5582 and Moose Lodge of Columbia City.

He is survived by his companion of 21 years: Betty Woodard; three sons: Gary (Cindy) Schrader, Rick (Vic) Schrader, Brent Schrader; a daughter: Kathy Hill; son-in-law: Tim Cramer; sister: Dottie (Lynn) Feller; brothers: Clifton (Fern) Schrader, Jack (Maralee) Schrader, Fred “Connie” (Dee) Schrader and Dick (Sandy) Schrader; brother-in-law: Bud Shirey; grandsons: Jordan, Joel, Brandon, Erik Schrader, Kris Cramer and Andrew Hill; granddaughters: Shawnta Wells, Kyra Schrader, Stacie Patrick and April Howard; and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wives and parents, he was preceded in death by a son: Randy Schrader; a daughter: Kimberly Cramer; grandson: Dustin Cramer; sisters: Melba Shirey and Ellen Strong; brothers: Roger and Gilbert Schrader.

The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be in the Nolt Cemetery with the Korean War Veterans Honor Guard presenting honors. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 3, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial are to Multiple Sclerosis Society.