Franklin S. Lyford

Franklin S. Lyford, 89, Rockford, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025. He was born on May 7, 1935, in Belvidere IL, the son of Franklin Lyford Sr. and Marie (Ambrose) Lyford. Frank served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1956-1958. He married Carol (Fye) Lyford on July 31, 1959, in Belvidere where they remained married for over 40 years until her passing on May 5, 2001. 

Over the years, Frank cherished time with family and friends, finding joy in flower gardening and his lifelong dedication to the dairy industry. His distinct, infectious laugh brought smiles to all who knew him. 

Frank’s passion for dairy began in 4-H, where he earned numerous awards, including the 4-H Congress and I Dare You Awards. As a Junior Leader, he later led the Beaver Valley Clippers 4-H Club. Frank’s Holstein career started in 1961, and he remained deeply involved in the Boone Winnebago Holstein Club, serving in various leadership roles including President. He was also Superintendent of the Dairy Show at the Boone County Fair, where he spent countless hours ensuring smooth operations. Frank played a key role in the Midwest Dairyman’s Association and served as President of the Winnebago County DHIA. In 2002, the Illinois State Holstein Championship Show was dedicated in his honor. Though he retired from milking in 1989, he remained active in the dairy community, helping his granddaughters with their show animals. Following his dairy career, he embraced a new chapter as a real estate agent with Prudential Crosby Adelman in 1991 until his retirement in 2010.

Throughout his life, Frank was a devoted member of Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon and on multiple committees. He and Carol were longtime members of Skiffers.

Frank was survived by his children, Glen (Julie) Lyford, Teresa (James) Buik, and Warren (Vickie) Lyford; his grandchildren, Karen (Adam) Kryder, Laura (John) Mitchell, Julia, Daniel (Emma), Brooke Lyford, and Paige Lyford; his great grandchildren, Cameron Kryder, Addison Kryder, Brayden Kryder, Sadie Mitchell, Conor Mitchell, and Lucy Mitchell; his siblings, Robert (Nathalie) Lyford, Margaret Gillespie, Betsy (Bob) Vincer, and Larry (Linda) Lyford; and his many special cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his parents; his wife; his granddaughter, Stephanie Lyford; his siblings, Harold Lyford, Jean (Gerald) Schauer, Charlie Lyford; and his brother-in-law, Bob Gillespie. 

A visitation will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford IL, 61108. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, 7300 Belvidere Road, Caledonia IL, 61011. Burial with military honors to follow at Highland Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name at Willow Creek Presbyterian Church. 

To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.