John Norman Franks

John Norman Franks, 77, passed away peacefully in the night on June 19, 2009. Born in 1931, the youngest of 5 children of John and Mary Franks of Missouri . 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 it was here that he met his wife of 49 years. John and Joy Franks were married in 1958 and moved to Farmington, NM in 1962. John is survived by his two children, son, Robert W. Franks and his wife Faleen of Pearland, TX and daughter, Elizabeth J. Ocsody and her husband Mike of Farmington, NM. 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 of Aztec, NM and Dr. Scott Allen and family of Farmington, NM. 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. Memorial donations can be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church-General Fund, 211 West 20th Street, Farmington, NM 87401. Arrangements are in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 East Ute Farmington , NM 87401 (505) 325-8688