A well-known, well-respected and beloved local businessman, 90 year old Donald Guy “Frog” French, will be laid to rest Thursday after he died Tuesday at his home surrounded by his wife and family.
Mr. French owned and operated French’s Market for over 60 years. During an interview in December 2014 to announce the closing of the store, his daughter Diane Cardwell told WMSK News that when her dad returned to Morganfield after serving in the army he had a dream to buy a farm, but decided farms were too expensive and he couldn’t afford one. So instead, she said he heard that a grocery store, the White Front Grocery, was for sale and he traded his new home to buy the grocery.
Cardwell went on to say her dad raised five children, but he was a great mentor to so many kids around the community. She said, “He taught us the true meaning of hard work and family. He just did so much for the community.”
Mr. French was a World War II Army Veteran, a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He recently was honored with an award for being a 50 year member with the American. He was also an active and supportive member of his church at St. Ann Catholic Church where he was a member of the choir for over 50 years.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Peggy Alvey French of Morganfield; his three daughters, Debbie Wedding of Florida, Diane Cardwell of Madsonville and Dava O’Nan of Owensboro; one son, Donnie French of Morganfield; one brother, Ray French of Morganfield; one sister, Mary Ann Saragusa of Illinois; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10AM Thursday at St. Ann Catholic Church in Morganfield with burial to follow in the St. Ann Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8PM Wednesday with Rosary at 7PM and after 8:30AM Thursday morning until the service time at Whitsell Funeral Home in Morganfield.
(Image of Mr. French: French’s Supermarket Facebook Page)
