T.K. "Ken" Franke

T.K. "Ken" Franke, 93, of El Campo, joined his beloved wife and his Redeemer in the early hours of Monday, Dec. 17, 2007.

Ken was born March 27, 1914 in El Campo to Bernard Louis Franke and Bernice Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Betty Anne; his brother, Bruce; and his sister, Bernice Barnett.

Survivors include his children, Mike Franke and wife Suzanne of Arlington, Bruce Franke and wife Marion of Conroe, Elizabeth K. Franke Holmes of Richmond, and Tim T. Franke and wife Elizabeth of Austin; devoted grandchildren and great grandchildren: grandson, Kevin Franke and wife Ronda, and their children Kynan and MacKenzie; granddaughter, Rachelle Franke Hanson and husband Bob; grandson, Todd Franke; granddaughter, Jennifer Franke Kocian and husband Allan with their children Kyle, Clay and Kit; grandson, Isaac Franke and wife Donna and their daughters Gabriella, Sofia and Maiya; grandson, Jonathan Holmes and wife Toni, and their children Madeline and Jonathan; granddaughter, Katie Holmes and her daughter Chloe; and granddaughter Emily; grandson, Brian, and grandson Nathaniel.

Colonel Franke was a descendent of El Campo's earliest residents, and faithfully served the community that he loved so much after his return from service in World War II. After graduating from Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1939, he was commissioned and assigned his first command at Fort Sam Houston.

During the war his gallant service as an officer in the 102nd Infantry Division, the Ozark Division, earned the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge, and after the end of hostilities he continued service in Germany aiding displaced persons as they returned to their homes and lives.

Upon returning from Europe and resettling in El Campo, he organized the 6/112 Mechanized Tank Battalion, 36th Infantry Division. During his tenure, he caused five armories to be built in Texas Gulf Coast cities, and retired as Battalion Commander with 26 years of service to his Nation and the Texas National Guard in 1961. His belief in his country, and his duty to service permeated all that he did and all that he stood for throughout his life.

He was the State of Texas Director of the United Way in the 1960s, and he served El Campo as a City Council Member, Mayor pro tem, Director of Civil Defense, and was the Executive Director of the Housing and Urban Development program where he supervised the construction and management of homes for the City's less fortunate.

He faithfully attended the Rotary Club of El Campo where he was a member and officer for many years; he served in the VFW Post for 61 years, and was an active member of St. Philip Catholic Church throughout his adult life.

His devotion to Texas A&M University was legendary, and he often attributed everything good in life to either having married Betty Anne or attending A&M during the final years of the Great Depression. Ken was a lifetime member of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students, the Wharton County A&M Club, and he generously gave back to "the place that saved him," including establishing the Colonel T.K. Franke General Rudder Corp Scholarship, and many other scholarships for aspiring Aggies. He was Old Army until the end.

Papa, Grandpa, Dad was a man of great strength and honest character. He will be missed by all who knew him - but he will be missed most by his family to whom he was ultimately devoted and loved dearly. For us this is indeed the end of an era. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers and assistants who helped Ken and all of us through the last few years: Ms. Mona Stepan, assistant and friend of the Colonel's who always drew a smile from him; Ms. Ella Farrow, a great comfort and friend to the family; and the angels of care who each took care of him as if he were their own: Esther, Elva, Mary P., Mary M., Leticia, Alma, Josie, Judy, Ismael, Cynthia, Veronica, and Molly.

Also, we wish to extend a special thanks to Hospice of El Campo for the tender care and mercy that was bestowed on our father during his last few steps in a long journey.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, Dec. 20 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at Triska Funeral Home.

There will be a Wake service at 7 p.m. on Thursday at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Philip.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to El Campo Hospice.