Frank R. Erme

Frank R. "Mr. Whitmer" Erme, age 87, of Toledo, went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2016. He was born on October 18, 1928 to Michael and Mary Erme in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania.

Frank has been an active and distinguished part of the Whitmer tradition for over 62 years. He began his career as a social studies teacher and immediately pursued his athletic interests by serving as an assistant football coach from 1952 through 1960. He also started the wrestling program in 1952. Frank also held the position of assistant baseball coach as well as an assistant basketball coach from 1957 to 1960. In 1960 Frank took over as varsity basketball coach and served in that capacity through 1966.

Erme left the classroom in 1965 to become Whitmer's Athletic Director in 1966 and held that position until his retirement in 1988. He also served as an associate principal from 1972 to 1988.

Frank was inducted into the Findlay University Hall of Fame in 1978 and was also inducted into the State of Ohio Athletic Director's Hall of Fame in 1990. Many other accolades and honors Frank received include the following; Toledo City League Hall of Fame, Whitmer High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Italian American Sports Club Hall of Fame, Mercer County Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation; receiving the Distinguished Service Award. He also received the Distinguished Citizens Award from TPS. Quast Field at Whitmer High School was also renamed "Frank Erme Field."

Erme continued to reside in the district and was on the Washington Local School Board of Education from 1991 – 2000 and 2007 – 2014. He was also an Administrator; including the dean, athletic director and associate principal.

Frank is survived by his son, Joseph (Cheryl) Erme; daughter, Jane Washington; special son-in-law, Lenny Washington; grandsons, Brandon, Brian, Jake and Craig; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Anthony (Mary) Erme, Sr.; and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Erme; brothers, Michael Sr. and Dr. William Erme; and sister, Jessie Erme.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will be Private.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Frank Erme Memorial, c/o Sun Federal Credit Union, 3341 Executive Pkwy Toledo, Ohio 43606

Frank's family would like to give a special thanks to his nephew, Michael Erme, Jr, for all of his love and support!