Franklin D. Van Hove, 75, of Ashland, died Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at the Cleveland Clinic following a lengthy illness. Born August 10, 1934, in Tiltonsville, Ohio, he was the son of Paul and Sophia (Oleanar) Van Hove. He received a Bachelor of Science in Music from the University of Michigan in 1956 and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Youngstown State University in 1958. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1963 and owned and operated funeral homes in Tiltonsville and Brilliant, Ohio. He was a founding member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association Public Education Committee. He was recognized in 1985 for serving as Board Chairman of the Martins Ferry's East Ohio Regional Hospital's Board of Trustees. Frank purchased the Gilbert Funeral Home in Ashland, OH in 1983 and retired from there in 2003. He was a founding member of Hospice of North Central Ohio serving on the Board of Directors for many years and was a former member of the Board of Directors of Samaritan Hospital. Frank was also involved in many community and civic organizations in the Ohio Valley and Ashland during his career.Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Barbara A. (Brown) Van Hove, whom he married August 25, 1956; a daughter, Shelly (Jim) Woode of Ashland, OH; three sons, Dr. Shawn Van Hove of Erie, PA, Frank T. (Michelle) Van Hove of New Albany, OH and Randall (Tami) Van Hove of Ashland, OH; eight grandchildren, Taylor, Abby and Connor Van Hove, Michael Woode, Trent Johnson and Blake Van Hove and Joseph and David Van Hove; and a sister, Florence Van Hove of Naples, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents.Friends may call from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2009, at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 28, 2009, at St. Joseph's Parish, Tiltonsville, OH, by Father Dan Heusel. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling, WV. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1605 Dauch Drive, Ashland, OH 44805 or to the Ashland County Cancer Association, 380 E. 4th Street, Ashland, OH 44805. Local arrangements are being handled by Wilson Funeral Home. Online guest registry at www.wappner.com