Franklin "Frank" Geene Herington, 55, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on the evening of Monday, July 7, 2025, at 8:25 p.m., from internal injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident just two miles from the home he cherished. Though his departure was sudden, it was also fitting in its own rugged way—Frank was a man who lived fast, loved deeply, and never let the dust settle beneath his boots.

Frank was born on November 2, 1969, in Goshen, Indiana, the youngest son of Geene Duane Herington and Bonieta Fern (Drake) Maxson. A proud graduate of Lakeland High School's Class of 1988, he brought both grit and heart to every chapter of his life. He married the love of his life, Sharlene D. (Schmucker) Herington, on November 21, 1992, in Middlebury, Indiana. Together, they built a life rich with laughter, love, and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting.

Frank is survived by Sharlene, who stood by his side through every season, and their beloved children: Zachary Geene Herington (Lynnsey) of Indianapolis, Eric Joseph Herington (Rebecca) of Elkhart, Monica Lynn Chiddister (Bryce) of Goshen, Ashley Renee Roush (Gavin) of Cassopolis, MI, and Crystal Rose Herington of Elkhart. Nothing lit up Frank's world quite like his grandchildren—Edward, "Ellie", Edith, "Emma", Greyson, and Mable—and he was joyfully anticipating the arrival of a new grandbaby in 2026.

Also surviving are his siblings: Rick, Vicki, and Terry; his cherished mother-in-law, Irene (Frey) Schmucker-Thomas; and a wide and loving circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who felt more like family. He was the nephew of Norma Jean (Maurice) Miller and Harold Laverne Drake, and held a special place in his heart for dear friends Linda Lofti, Melanie Edwards, and JoLee LaRue.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several beloved siblings: Linda Toppins (Grady), Marcia Kay Maxson (James, Fred), Steven Edwards (Jeannie, Carolyn), Gary Dewayne Edwards, Connie Jo Little, and Kim Herington—a heavenly reunion that, no doubt, has already turned into a rowdy game of cards and a good round of storytelling.

Frank dedicated over two decades of his career to AM General in Mishawaka, where he was a proud member of UAW Local 5. Before that, he put in time—and hard work—at B&S Distributing, Syndicate Store Fixtures, and Kirsch Industries. He was the kind of guy who didn't just do a job—he owned it, and had a reputation for an impeccable work ethic and a meticulous eye for detail.

Outside of work, Frank was a force of nature and a creature of habit. He found joy in all things fast and loud—motorcycles, snowmobiles, and motorsports. He loved being outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or just taking in the quiet beauty of nature (usually with a cold drink in one hand and a grin on his face). He was equally at home behind a grill or smoker, taking great pride in perfectly cooked pork chops and meats that could make a grown man weep. And if you caught him late at night, you might find him indulging in his signature treat—a bowl of peanut butter with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of homemade strawberry jam. He swore by it. Few were brave enough to try it. Fewer still regretted it.

A storyteller by nature and a jokester by choice, Frank could turn even the most mundane moments into unforgettable memories. He was the life of every gathering, the loudest laugh in the room, and the steady hand you could count on in a storm. But more than anything, Frank loved his family. He showed up for them—every single time—and nothing brought him more pride than watching his children and grandchildren grow into their own.

Frank's faith was a quiet but steady anchor in his life. He was baptized at Living Stone Christian Fellowship in 1994 and later attended Grace Community Church in Goshen.

His family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the first responders of the Concord Township Fire Department, the skilled caregivers at Elkhart General Hospital, and the incredible team at Parkview Regional Medical Center for their heroic efforts. The outpouring of love and support from friends, extended family, and the wider community has been deeply felt and profoundly appreciated during this time of heartbreak.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin Street, Elkhart, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:50 p.m., followed by a celebration of Frank's life at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date at the cemetery in White Pigeon, Michigan.

Those wishing to honor Frank's memory are invited to make contributions to a special community fund established in his name at: https://tinyurl.com/FranklinHeringtonMemorialFund

Frank Herington may have left this earth too soon, but his spirit—bold, boisterous, big-hearted—will echo in the stories we share, the jokes we retell, and the way we show up for one another, just like he always did.