Dr. Sherman Franz, friend of MCFC passes

Dr. Sherman Franz was a friend of the Dr. Mary Ludwig, Montgomery County Free Clinic and was a founder of the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic in Columbus, IN. He will be remembered for his help in founding our clinic. If you would like to share a memory or condolences to the family, click on this link to the Tribute Wall.

COLUMBUS

Dr. Sherman G. Franz, 83, passed away June 19, 2021, on the 61st anniversary of his wedding to beloved wife Jacqueline. He was at home surrounded by family, including Jacqueline, his three sons, and his grandchildren.

Dr. Franz was born August 6, 1937, in Newton, Kansas, the son of Rev. Peter E Franz and Martha Martens Franz. He graduated from Scottsburg High School and Wabash College and received his MD from Indiana University, followed by a Masters in Medical Management from Tulane University later in his career. He served as a Major in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1970.

Dr. Franz practiced psychiatry in Columbus, Indiana for over 50 years. An avid traveler, he also lived and practiced medicine in Libya, Australia, and New Zealand. He served as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Columbus Regional Hospital and as Medical Director of Behavioral Health at SIHO and at the Stress Center of Columbus Regional Hospital. For several years, he served as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine and taught family medicine residents at Methodist Hospital. He was past president of the Indiana Psychiatric Society.

He devoted his life to peace and social justice in the communities he served and in the world at large. A co-founder of the first halfway house for the mentally ill in Columbus, Dr. Franz also helped found Our Hospice of South Central Indiana and Volunteers in Medicine of Columbus. He served on the boards of the Bartholomew County Mental Health Association, Bartholomew County School Foundation, Bartholomew County Substance Abuse Council, and Volunteers in Medicine. Additionally, he served on the Healthy Communities Council and as deacon and elder at First Presbyterian Church of Columbus.

Dr. Franz is survived by his wife Jacqueline Darrah Franz; his sons Sherman Edward (Maggie Magee) of Montrose, Colorado; Stephen James (Lisa Szymanski) of Spencer, Indiana; Michael Andrew (Carolyn) of Bend, Oregon; grandchildren Jonathon, David, Megan, Lauren, Elliott, and Madison; great-grandchildren Davian and Myla; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Loren and John.

A celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Columbus on Tuesday June 29 at 2 p.m., with calling hours beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, First Presbyterian Church Foundation, or VIMCare at Columbus Regional Hospital Foundation.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.

Arrangements were made by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.