John Norman Franks, 77, passed away peacefully in the night on June 19, 2009, at Cedar Ridge Inn Nursing Home in Farmington, N.M.
Born in Oct. 11, 1931, he was the youngest of five children of John and Mary Franks of Neosho. John served his country in the U.S. Air Force, as a medic during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he began his life- long career as an optician and it was here that he met his wife of 49 years.
John and Joy Franks were married in 1958 and moved to Farmington in 1962.
John is survived by his two children, son, Robert W. Franks and his wife, Faleen, Pearland, Texas; and daughter, Elizabeth J. Ocsody and her husband, Mike, Farmington. John has five amazing grandchildren that were the light of his life. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews in Missouri, Donna Ferguson her husband, Ronnie, Pat Bishop and her husband, Curt, Lang Franks and wife, Judy, Mark Franks, Michael Franks, Max Franks, Monte Franks, and several great nieces and nephews and by some very dear friends that he considered “family,” Jerry Williams and wife Debbie, Aztec, N.M. and Dr. Scott Allen and family, Farmington.
John will be remembered fondly by family and friends. He touched us all with his ornery personality and huge heart.
John was preceded in death by his wife Joy; his parents John and Mary Franks; his brothers Donald, Charles, Lyle Dean; and his sister, Louise Massey.
John was a devoted Christian and faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist for 37 years. Earlier in his life, he was a member of the New Mexico Mounted Patrol and was known for his gunsmith expertise. He was more widely known for his knowledge, ability and skill as an optician at New Mexico Eye Clinic where he worked for the last 15 years.
A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church , 211 West 20th St., Farmington, at 10 a.m. Saturday. Services will be led by Dr. Kirby Kennedy.
Inurnment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Joplin, at a later date.
Memorial donations can be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church-General Fund, 211 West 20th St., Farmington, 87401 .
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.danielsfuneral.com
Arrangements are in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute, Farmington, 87401.
Farmington, N.M. —
