It is with great sadness the family of Edward “Big Ed” Lingler, Sr, age 63 of Franklin, PA announces his passing on the evening of Tuesday, July 4th, 2017.

Born in Franklin on December 13, 1953, the son of the late Horace Edward Lingler and the late Jessie Elizabeth Kay Lingler.

He is a graduate of Franklin High School, class of 1972. On August 27, 1977, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Aaron, who survives, at St. Patrick Church in Franklin, PA.

In his later years in life, he found great passion in driving school buses for Lepley’s Bus Service. He loved every minute of providing transportation for the local students. He especially enjoyed driving the Franklin Girls Softball team for over ten years.

He enjoyed woodworking, golfing, and watching thunderstorms.

He loved spending time with his family sharing old childhood tales, knowing that there was always “more where that came from.”

Over the years, he would fill with joy when he would be mistaken for the big guy in the red suit that can be seen commonly in December. Never saying a word with a nod and a wink, he’d make even all nonbelievers stop and think.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his four children, Jessica Carty and her husband Jamie of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Edward Lingler, Jr. (E.J.) and his girlfriend Katie Toth, Nicholas Lingler and his wife Katy, and Amanda Haag and her husband Brad all of Franklin.

He was also a proud “Pap-Pap” to his grandsons Jack and Bennett Lingler of Franklin.

He is also survived by one sister Mrs. James (Annabelle) Reisinger of Franklin, PA as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 W. Park Street, Franklin, where family and friends are welcome from 3 pm until 5:45 pm Friday July 7.

A funeral service will follow visitation in the funeral home chapel at 6 pm with the Pastor Jason Peterson, Associate Pastor of the Atlantic Ave United Brethren Church, Officiating.

Interment will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery.

In honor of Ed’s big-hearted wishes, memorials can be made in the form of random acts of kindness or donations to Grady’s Decision, 5390 Cray Road, Erie, PA 16509.

Online condolences and flowers may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com.