Kenneth D. Franks

Kenneth D. Franks, 92, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 12, in Brownwood, Texas. He was born on January 22, 1933, in Sparenberg, Texas, to Marvin and Oneita Franks.

Kenneth graduated from Ackerly High School in 1950 and later attended Howard College and Texas Tech University, where he received his BBA in Accounting in 1960.

Kenneth met his wife, Alta Stephens, and they were married January 25, 1952. Kenneth and Alta were married for 59 years until her passing on June 13, 2011.

In March 1953, Kenneth was drafted and stationed in Korea where he served for 16 months. He was proud to have served his country.

After the war, Kenneth and Alta moved to Lamesa to farm for her father and endured a record-setting drought for three years. He then worked for the United States Postal Service before deciding to finish his degree in Lubbock at Texas Tech University. Kenneth worked full time while attending school, using military benefits to support his education.

After graduation, Kenneth accepted an offer from the Treasury Department as an agent. He was first assigned to an office in Big Spring and eventually transferred to Midland. During this time, he continued to farm and ranch at the Franks family farm in Big Spring.

During his time in Midland and throughout retirement, Kenneth remained active in business. He was involved in real estate investments and rentals before acquiring Midland Suzuki in 1982. He later opened up Honda Kawasaki of West Texas in 1985. Kenneth and his sons also opened Ken’s RV Sales in Midland, which they operated for 15 years until his final retirement in 2020. Kenneth also owned Pandale Crossing Resort located on the lower Pecos in Pandale, Texas, where he lived and offered cabin rentals.

Kenneth was a man with a deep love for the Lord and for his family. He was an active member of Crestview Baptist Church in 1971.

He is survived by his wife, Lena (married in May 2015); his children, Steve Franks (Brenda), Kent Franks(Peggy), and Lena’s son, Billy Arp (Brenda); his grandchildren, Cole Franks (Gabrielle) and Kyle Franks (Madelyn); Lena’s grandchildren Eric Arp (Jennifer), Jenny Holster, Josh Crowder and Jessica Crowder , Chelsea Nelson; his two great-grandchildren Percy Franks and Opal Franks; his sister Joyce Walts; and many other cherished relatives.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alta; his parents Marvin and Oneita; his sister Nelda Henderson; and his grandparents, J.L. and Cora Franks and Jess and Ida Martin.

Honorary pallbearers  , Mark adkins, John Glidwell, Robert Grubbs, Colbey Ford, Clayton Othold, Clay Othold, Chase Spear, Gabe Muerelo, Roger Bower, Michael Green

Please join us in celebrating his life on

The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of Midland, Hospice of Brownwood, Dr. Vikrim Vadalaya and his wonderful staff (especially Margaret), and his kind neighbors in Midland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Midland, Hospice of Brownwood, Crestview Baptist Church or the Springboard Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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