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.