Ray Franks

October 18, 2009, The Lord called one of his own back to him.
Ray M. Franks 76 quietly passed after, a brief stay at the Central Wyoming Hospice Home in Casper with family at his side. Ray was born Nov. 2, 1932, the 7th child to Mattie and Jesse Franks in Purcell Oklahoma. A farmer's son, he spent his early years plowing fields, raising peanuts and produce. In his teens he volunteered for the army and after 4 years he was honorably discharged on October 8, 1953. He reenlisted and was accepted into the airborne, paratroopers division. Stationed in Germany he was the driver for Colonel Hugh P. Harris. After his discharge in 1958, he returned to his wife Shirley A Franks in Pauls Valley Oklahoma where he started his life long career in the oilfield. Shortly after the birth of their only daughter Tamera A Franks, the couple relocated to Casper Wyo.
Ray continued to work in oilfield related areas for the next 14 years. In the 70's he purchased Longnecker Oilfield repair and then Pickering Oilfield Service both Located in Edgerton Wyoming. The 2 businesses then became Rays Oilfield Service. In 1982 Ray sold his company and soon after retired.
Ray was a member of the Korein Temple Shrine Organization of Casper and was in the Mounted Patrol division where he loved socializing with friends, working with horses, and dedicating time to fund raising for the Crippled Children's Hospital. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #2.
Ray was a natural guitar player and could play any string instrument he picked up. He entertained family and friends throughout his life with his beautiful voice and guitar. He loved to hunt, fish, camp, garden, hay, cattle, horses and mechanics. He loved the outdoors. Ray spent the last few years traveling some and spending time with his daughter Tammy Murphy of Casper, granddaughter Jamie Raye Parsons Holthouse of Fort Collins CO. and grandson Samuel Andrew Miller of Casper. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, 6 brothers and 3 sisters. His last remaining sibling, Dennis Watson Franks, resides in Redland California.
Services will be held Friday October 23, 2009 Newcomer Funeral Home at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Wyoming Memorial Gardens. A gathering for friends and family will follow the burial at 291 Indian Paintbrush Unit D.
The family asks that contributions be made to the Shiners' Crippled Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah or Central Wyoming Hospice House in Casper.