John Willam "Bill" Franks, 94, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, at Franciscan Health - Michigan City, Michigan City, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana with his grandson Rick Foddrill officiating. Burial will follow in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm, Monday, January 8th, 2024, and from 9:00 am until the time of service Tuesday, in the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel. A Masonic service will be provided by the Acme Lodge #83 F.&A.M. Monday evening at 6:00 pm in the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel. Full military services will be conducted Tuesday in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, Indiana.
He was born December 25th, 1929, in Michigan City, Indiana to the late Everett and Maurie (Ingwersen) Franks. On April 5th, 1952, in Michigan City, Indiana he married Jane Ayers who preceded him in death on August 29th, 2017.
Surviving are daughter, Kathy Callan of La Porte, Indiana; two sons, Kenneth (Judy) Franks of La Porte, Indiana, Daniel (Carm) Franks of Hobart, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Jill Blanchard of Hobart, Indiana, Mitch Franks of Valparaiso, Indiana, Ariana Franks of New Orleans, Louisiana, Keith Callan of Aurora, Colorado, Levi (Alli) Callan of La Porte, Indiana, Rick (Laura) Foddrill of Dinuba, California, and Jon (Jess) Foddrill of Lowell, Indiana; nine great-grandchildren, Jeremy (America) Blanchard, Brooke Blanchard, Jake Blanchard, Laila Eve Franks, Emma Foddrill, Constance Foddrill, Bonnie Foddrill, Holly Foddrill, and Nova Foddrill; He was preceded in death by a grandchild, Jacob W. Franks; brother, Tom R. Franks, and sister, Sally Powers.
Bill was a retired Tower Operator and Freight Agent for Con Rail, where he worked for 44 years on various jobs and various locations from Elkhart to Chicago, and the drawbridge in Michigan City. He was a veteran serving during the Korean War with the Counter Intelligence Corps in Tokyo, Japan. While in Tokyo he was joined by his wife, Jane, and they traveled on weekends throughout the city of Tokyo and nearby countryside. He was a Cub Master and Assistant Scout Master. He served as assistant superintendent of Sunday School and Trustee at the First Baptist Church and was a member of the Pines Bible Church, The Pines, Michigan City, Indiana. He was an active member of the Order of DeMolay and was on the DeMolay's Advisory Council for almost 30 years. He was a 73-year member of the Acme Lodge #83 F.& A.M., Michigan City where he was a past master. Bill was also a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Orak Shriners where he participated in many activities. Also for over 10 years, he was a professional shuttle driver for La Porte Hospital. He also received the award KYCH.
Bill was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Bears fan. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh.
Contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital 2211 N. Oak Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60607.
