Franklin Martin Ritter, lived for farming, family

Franklin Martin Ritter, 95, died Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Accent Care Inpatient Hospice Center in Wilmington after a long illness. He was born in Lewes Feb. 20, 1928, first child of William F. and Margaret (Dallas) Ritter.

He married Janet L. Heiser Feb. 22, 1959, at their family farm, where they lived for 65 years.

He learned farming under the tutelage of his father, working the fields of lima beans, corn, soybeans and peas. As his brothers came along, they joined together to create what was known as Ritter Farms in Harbeson. He owned a school bus service in Cape Henlopen School District. He drove hundreds of children to school over 40 years of which many of them still remember him.

Over his lifetime, Frank enjoyed dancing, skeet shooting, NASCAR, local dirt track racing, fishing with his sons, and working on the tractors. 

Frank is predeceased by his parents, his son, Michael Ritter; son-in-law, Frank Latham, and siblings, Marie Savin, Mary Lou Steele, Bert Ritter, Irvin Ritter, Joan Burton and Janice Moseley.  

He is survived by his wife, Janet; and his children, Mark Ritter (Valda), Tracy Latham, and Mike’s widow, Debbie Ritter. His grandchildren are Becky Roswell (Ernie), Heather Gray (JD), and Kyle Latham; and his great-grandchildren are Wyatt and Cole Roswell. His siblings are Howard “Bud” Ritter (Jacqui) and Ethel Lee, June Simpson, and Patricia Rust (Larry).

Visitation will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, at Melson Funeral Home, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, with services beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will be at the St. George’s Chapel Cemetery in Harbeson.

Online condolences may be made by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.