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Memorial Keepers (2)
John Henry Franks
May 2nd, 1945 - May 14th, 2025
John Franks, of Chicago, passed away on May 14 in The Villages, Florida.
John was born in Chicago to Veronica Florence Jensen and John Raymond Franks on May 2, 1945. He went to school in Chicago as a child and attended college in Springfield, IL to study Music. He returned to his high school alma mater, Brother Rice High School, as the Music Director for their band. He was married to Violet “Kate” Franks on December 6, 1980, in Denver, Colorado. He owned his own business as a Corporate Event Planner for many years. He didn’t just want success for himself; he actively cultivated it in those around him. He had an uncanny ability to see potential where others might not and with a gentle yet firm hand, he guided you toward your own achievements.
He and Violet “Kate” moved to The Villages in 2018, and they have enjoyed their great friends and neighbors in The Villages ever since. This includes his golf buddies, serving as the Vice-President and then President of The Villages Notre Dame Club, joining the New Horizons Band and playing Baritone and he enjoyed attending the weekly practice jam sessions for the Sparky’s Strummers for the past 7 years. Your friends instantly became his friends, and he made everyone feel like part of the family. He was a very loving Husband, Dad and Papa.
John was preceded in death by his parents Veronica Franks Purtell and John Raymond Franks, his stepfather Thomas Purtell, his Uncle Henry Jensen and many more Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Violet “Kate” Franks, his daughter Kimberlee (Larry), son John Jr (Jan) and son Andrew (Jessie). His loving sister Joann Franks Herbert Aiken (Gerald). His sister-in-law Lisa Schreiner (Bob) and brother-in-law Steven Henderson (Linda). His 6 grandchildren, Alex, Kyle, Julia, Ashlyn, Violet and Ellie. As well as loving nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life will be held Tuesday May 20th from 3-5 pm at Hiers-Baxley in The Villages.
Funeral and burial services will be held in Chicago at a later date.
Our family wishes to extend our sincere thanks for your kindness, friendship and support through the years.
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We Entrusted John Franks's Care To
Hiers-Baxley Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center - Buffalo Ridge
Rooted in a legacy of trust and compassion since 1885, Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services has been a beacon of support for Marion County. In our quest to honor life’s profound journeys, we present the Buffalo Ridge Life Event Center—a sanctuary nestled within “Florida’s friendliest hometown,” designed to celebrate and memorialize the unique stories of loved ones. This center, a labor of love years in the making, extends our renowned funeral and burial services by offering a space where memories can be cherished and legacies honored. Our Life Event Center is more than a venue; it's a canvas for your most treasured celebrations. From the finery of our event planning, catering, and floral artistry to the sophistication of our themed displays and cutting-edge audio-visual systems, we've tailored an environment that anticipates every detail....
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