Sid Franks 1928-2017

Sidney Franks, 89, of Gallatin passed away Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at the Cameron Regional Medical Center. Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday evening, Nov. 10, 2017, at McWilliams Funeral Home in Gallatin. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment is at a later date at Hillcrest Cemetery near Gallatin. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Hillcrest Cemetery in care of McWilliams Funeral Home in Gallatin.

Sidney was born Oct. 1, 1928, the son of Charles and Vernice (Dunnington) Franks on the home place near Gallatin. He graduated from Gallatin High School and enlisted in the United States Army in 1950, during the Korean War, proudly serving his country for two years. His discipline and patriotism that he learned while in the military stayed with him throughout his life.

After being discharged from the military, Sidney was united in marriage to Helen Hershberger Nov. 12, 1954, in Gallatin, Mo., where they began their married life. They purchased a farm southwest of Gallatin and Sid farmed and raised cattle.

He started working for Lambert Cap Factory where he was foreman of the cutting room for many years.

The Franks family moved to Jameson and Sid and Helen purchased a furniture store in Gallatin. Sid not only took pride in his business, but also relished the friends he made during his time in business. They later purchased a farm west of Gallatin where they lived until Helen passed away earlier this year.

They were community minded and always looked for better ways to serve the public. Sid retired from Highlands Nursing Home in Gallatin in 1989 where he was the maintenance man. He was an entrepreneur, carpenter and farmer his entire life and passed that spirit on to his boys.

In 1990 Sid and Helen joined their son Mike and started the US 36 Raceway Track in Osborn, Mo. He greatly enjoyed his visits to the track and made many friends through the years.

Sid looked forward to his daily visits to Casey’s and the Corner Café to have coffee with his friends and to catch up on the current events around town. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was extremely proud of his family, and looked forward to their visits and was always interested in what they were doing. He lived his life to the fullest, his dedication to his family and community will be the legacy he leaves behind in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him.

Sid was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 65 years Helen; three brothers, Freeman, Colman and James Franks; sisters, Irene Brown, Margaret Smith and Coleen McMasters.

Survivors include his two sons, Jerry Franks and wife Kathy of Kearney, Mike Franks and wife Ruth of Cameron; brothers, Alvin Franks and wife Maxine of Gallatin, Leon Franks and wife Mary Ann of Independence; two grandchildren, Chris Franks and wife Shelly of Osborn, Vincent Franks of Cameron; two great-grandchildren, Blane and Blake Franks.