Obituaries
Donald Franks, 81
November 05, 2015
Donald Franks, 81, of Lancaster, PA passed away from complications with prostate cancer on November 5th, 2015, in the presence of family at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy.
Born in Donora, PA, he was the son of the late Paul and Mary (Opett) Franks. Against a backdrop of factory work, he completed high school in East McKeesport, PA and graduated with a civil engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University. After a brief stint in the Army Corps of Engineers, he started a 33-year career with Armstrong World Industries. With Armstrong he served as Plant Project Engineer in Fulton NY, Plant Engineering Manager in Dalton GA, and Principal Engineer in Lancaster. During this time he and his wife Dorothy raised four children in a rarely quiet household: Diane Ochala of Marietta, GA; David Franks of Spartanburg, SC; Alan Franks of San Diego, CA; Gary Franks of Raleigh, NC. Constantly exuding an excess of energy, Donald enjoyed many outdoor activities including biking, birding, and hiking — including a climb of a 14,000-foot mountain peak at age 72. While his musical tastes were global (Mozart and Beethoven), his sports teams were decidedly local (Pittsburgh Steelers).
In addition to wife and children, he is survived by five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his three siblings Paul Franks, Raymond Franks, and Dolores Krey. To celebrate the life of Donald Franks, the family plans a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the American Cancer Society.
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Condolences to the Family
November 20, 2015
Dear Dottie & Family,
Sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of our family times together. Will be thinking of you and wish you the best.
Warren Colton family
November 18, 2015
Gary and family:
Please know that I am thinking of you…there is never a good time to lose a loved one.
Lily vidrine
November 16, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like your father got a lot of living out of his life here on Earth. I know you will miss his adventurous spirit but in time will appreciate its reflection in the ideas, faces, and expressions of each other and of future generations. You will keep him alive in the stories, memories and moments. But mostly, you know he continues in Love where one day you will join him fully again.
Grace and Peace to you inthis time of grieving,
Amy Belk Dinsmore
Dalton, Ga
November 16, 2015
Our Condolences Gary to You and your Family. May your Father rest in peace.
Jeanette and Mike Lewis
November 15, 2015
So sorry for your loss , he sounds like a bundle of energy and love. Hugs
November 13, 2015
All – You are invited to join us to celebrate Donald’s life at Don’s house tomorrow (Saturday) from 2pm – 4pm in Manheim Township. For directions and more information, contact Gary Franks at 919-672-0663 or garyfranks@yahoo.com.
November 13, 2015
So sorry to hear about Don. He was a special person and hiker. We even enjoyed a Barnstormers game together this past August. Don will surely be missed especially by the Lancaster Hiking Club. I will miss his humor and presence.
Diana Ludwig
November 13, 2015
Hi All, Will miss Don on our weekly hikes. To give you an idea of what an unselfish and caring man he was, I want to recount the time we were hiking at Mt.Gretna. I had driven up with him and on the trail, had badly cut my hand in a fall. While others gathered at a local restaurant, he took me to an emergency care facility, waited until I could be seen, given shots, had the wound sutured and was processed out. We arrived back at the Hide-away too late to join the others, so we sat by ourselves and got to know each other much better. He became a good friend through that experience. That is why I join with the other hikers in saying that he will truly be missed. Tom Hoober
November 13, 2015
I was always amazed at how much energy Don had – he could run circles around me! I had the pleasure of working on several events with Don through his interest in American chestnut restoration. He will certainly be missed. – Sara Fitzsimmons
November 13, 2015
We always had a good time hiking with Don. So sorry for the family’s loss.
Jamie
