Francis Eugene Ebner, 89, of Hudson, Florida passed away peacefully on October 12, 2011 while holding hands with the love of his life, wife Madge.

He is survived by his children; Karen Kunow of Rochester, NY, Mark Ebner (Sandy) of Danville, CA, and Jeffrey Ebner (Betty) of Hallsville, TX. As well as Grandchildren; Gretchon Kunow of Avenue, MD, Ellen Kunow Baker (Scott) , Katrina Kunow Presutti (Alan) both of Rochester, NY, and one great grandson Connell Presutti of Rochester, NY.

Call him Fran, Frank, Dad or Pops he lived a very full and wonderful life.

Born in Elmira, NY in 1922 he experienced a hard knocks life as the child of Rosa and Roy Ebner growing up in Cuba, NY during the depression in the Allegheny region of NY which was hit especially hard. Following high school Fran joined the Army in 1942 where he served in the Pacific Theater and the China-Burma-India Theater. After WWII he returned to Japan as a civilian in the Occupational Army. During this time he met Madge Thomason of Bushwood, MD who had gone as a civilian employee too. They met in Fort Mason, CA, deployed to Okinawa, Japan and two years later returned home where they married in Berkeley, CA on January 25, 1949.

It was love at first sight when the Thomason family met Fran. He quickly learned to love St. Mary's county. Where else could he get oyster stew for breakfast?

With the help of good friends in upstate NY, Madge and Fran settled in Rochester where he entered into an apprenticeship with Plumbers and Steamfitters U.A. Local 13 and graduated to journeyman in 1951.

They raised three children in Hilton, NY where they enjoyed the benefits of a hardworking man who gave them everything they ever wanted. Mom and Dad, and then teen aged sons, were found almost every weekend busy renovating houses for resale. They were flipping houses back in the 60's!

Frank retired after twenty seven years of hard work for his union where he was regularly the job steward. Often he would have to drive his pick-up truck for hours to arrive at work. During these travels the family was afforded seasonal fruits and vegetables from the farmer's roadside stands, antiques tossed to the road and Springer Spaniel dogs from breeder kennels to become one of the family.

Fran and Madge moved to FL in 1987 where they enjoyed swimming in the Gulf, watching space shuttle launches, playing golf and frequenting the area visitor attractions but always favoring Busch Gardens. The care free couple motored around the country visiting their children in New York, Texas and California . Always with tool box on hand, Dad would repair, install or build any project we kids had. During the motoring trips they were sure to include the cities of Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Hot Springs, Dallas, San Antonio and the wondrous sites of Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Included also were cruises to Alaska, Panama Canal and Mexico.

In recent years Fran and Madge divided their time between Florida and the farm home in Avenue, MD. Fran took great pride in restoring and maintaining the Thomason farm.

You would often find Pops in an audience of any live music tapping his feet and bobbing his head to the beat. He was an avid listener of many music genre but his favorites have to be jazz and big band. Pops really loved his music – one of many traits all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild have in common.

We always had family dogs and even one (ferocious) cat who Dad pampered and played with – adored them as his own children. The kids have families which include their pets and Dad cherished them. There were no favorites – he loved them all.

During the buying, renovating and selling of the old farm houses, sixteen in all, Dad and Mom sparked a passion for antiques as many were simply left behind in the houses. Dad spent countless hours in the garage refinishing everything he could get his hand on. The home began to fill with furniture pieces of his favorite – light oak. Most of these pieces are still in their home!

Dad was elated talking about and showing his pride for his wife, children and grandchildren. He regularly encouraged each of us to follow our dreams no matter how many times we had to regroup and begin again. If Dad could help fill a need he was always ready to help. He would always say, "Just ask if you need help, would you?" And he would.

Dad also showed great pride for his country. He was a proud soldier standing straight and tall when he visited the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC in 2005.

A spirited and enthusiastic sports fan, Fran was happiest when his teams were in first place and it was Superbowl or World Series time. He was a life long New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan but during Florida life he also cheered for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Rays.

To proudly quote my Dad, "I always had the best of all worlds. Bye for now." He, indeed, had a wonderful life.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10:00AM – 12:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where a Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 PM with Rev Keith Schukraft officiating. Interment will follow in St. Paul's United Methodist Church Cemetery, Leonardtown, MD.

Contributions may be made to the Seventh District Vol. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.