Rodney Dane “Gumzy” France Sr., 62, of rural Laketon, Indiana, died at 8:10 pm, Sunday, November 3, 2019 at his home. He was born January 1, 1957 in Wabash, Indiana. and was raised by his father Ralph James “Jim” and step mother Priscilla (Marks) France.
Gumzy married Carolyn L. Spencer in Wabash, Indiana on July 3, 1988. He worked at the MACO Foundry, Pierceton Trucking, and the Manchester Foundry. He was a member of the Miami Nation of Indians, and ABATE Region 3. Gumzy enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles, spending time with his family and friends, and his dogs Buster and Rat.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn L. France of rural Laketon, three children, Katrina Stokr of Battle Creek, Michigan, Rodney France Jr. of rural Laketon, and Lisa Stapleton of Wabash, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two sisters, Robin (Gary) Corn of North Manchester, Indiana, and Lola France-Kelly of Warsaw, Indiana, seven brothers, Jimmy (Virginia) Conliff of Rochester, Indiana, Richard (Marvin) France of Willshire, Ohio, Randy Conliff and Mickey (Cindy) Conliff, both of Wabash, Randy (Carolyn) France of Servia, Indiana, Rocky (Charlotte) France of Wabash, and Russell (Kim) France of North Manchester, half-sister, KoWeba Malik of North Manchester, and half brother, Charles Burke. He was preceded in death by his father and step mother, and four brothers, Roger Conliff, Dennis Conliff, Dicky Conliff, and Jimmy Dale France.
Funeral services will be 10 am Friday, November 8, 2019 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash. Burial will be in Frances Slocum Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 4-7 pm Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is to Gumzy’s family for expenses.
The memorial guest book for Gumzy may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.