Fran was born in Resht, Iran, where his parents, Pearl M. and Paul B. Shedd, served as Presbyterian missionaries. He had one sister, Lois, who preceded him in death.  When Fran was seven years old, his family moved to the United States and he attended elementary and high school in Rockwell City, Iowa.

He received his engineering degree from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and attended Notre Dame and Cornell University as part of his training. Fran was assigned to the USS LSM 100, which participated in the Okinawa convoy.

Fran was released from active duty on April 8, 1946. He remained in the reserves for the next seven years and retired with the rank of Lieutenant.  Upon his release he returned home to get married to Betty Lou, who he first met in elementary school. They were married for 68 years before she preceded him in death.

Fran was employed by The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio for five years before moving to Denver where he worked for Gates Rubber Company for 34 years.

Throughout his life, his interests included family activities, photography, travel, and veteran recognition.

Fran passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on March 4, 2023. He is survived by three children: Nancy Eakins, Sara Shedd, and Corwin Shedd (Sharon) and three grandsons and their families.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, 11:00 am at Wellshire Presbyterian Church 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, Colorado 80222. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wellshire Presbyterian Church.