Daniel Herbert Franks, Jr., 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Arbor Terrace of Fairfax in Chantilly, Virginia. He was born in Uniontown, PA on September 12, 1929 son of the late Daniel Herbert and Kathryn (Fowler) Franks. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Franks.
Dan graduated from Uniontown High School in 1947, and then studied music at the Dana School of Music at Youngstown College (now Youngstown State University) in Ohio, where he studied Flute performance and Music Education from 1948 to 1952. While attending college he was invited to join the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, where he soon became the first chair (Principal) flutist. He also was mentored for a short time by prominent flutist and teacher William Kincaid before he was drafted into the US Army. He served his country honorably from 1952 to 1955 during the Korean War.
Soon after returning home from Korea he met the love of his life, Ruth Ellen Feuster. They decided to move to Los Angeles, California, where they got married on August 10, 1956, and went on to have two children, Darlene and Cheryl.
Dan provided for his family by working at Hughes Aircraft from 1956 to 1989 in security and communications and part-time at Time Inc. (Time magazine) from 1958 to 1989 in telex and other communications. When he wasn’t at work, Dan enjoyed working on photography and video projects, and served in various capacities at Covenant Presbyterian Church of Westchester, California, including deacon, elder, Bible study leader, flute performer, and singing in the choir. Throughout the years he also took the family on many cross-country road trips to Pennsylvania for vacation.
After retiring Dan continued his active involvement in the church, and he and Ruth spent some time traveling and visiting friends and family.
In addition to being a devoted husband and father, and an accomplished musician, Dan was known as the ice cream aficionado, a fun-loving Grandpa, an excellent whistler, and above all a devout Christian with an unwavering faith in God, which he didn’t hesitate to share with those around him.
Dan is survived by his wife Ruth (Feuster) Franks; daughters, Darlene (Joe) Sanger, and Cheryl (Jeff) Price; brother, Charles (Carol) Franks; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.
Our special gratitude to “William” one of Dan’s personal caregivers for the last 2 ½ years, who went above and beyond in his loving assistance to and treatment of Dan, and became like a family member to us all.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA. Services will be private for the family. Interment will be in Jacob’s Lutheran Cemetery. A watch party of the service can be seen on the Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home Facebook page.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at Arbor Terrace of Fairfax for the wonderful care and compassion they show their residents.
Donations in memory of Dan can be made to Alzheimer’s Association Research, 225 North Michigan Ave., 417 Chicago, IL 60601, or Arbor Terrace of Fairfax, 3925 Downs Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at adferguson.com.
Ruth, Darlene, Cheryl and your families, Love and Hugs are sent from miles away. Uncle Dan was such a talented, fun-loving man – who came to be known as “Uncle Wow” after the funny speech at their 50th Anniversary Party. Just because he is gone from God’s green earth, the love never stops. Prayers and Love.
My earliest memories as a child are of Dan and Ruth, or Mr and Mrs. Franks to me. So many hours were spent at your house and of course my Mom and Ruth were always up to something. I will always cherish my memories of Dan and his fabulous smile, train under the Christmas tree and the hot fudge sauce recipe that came from his Mom. I will also remember introducing him to my first granddaughter, who shares his birthday. Rest In Peace in the arms of our Lord.
Kathy Forbes Holzer
Now I know why I have had Danny, Ruth, Mickey and Dottie on my mind for the last number of weeks. Intuition is amazing, but I didn’t know how to get in touch with anyone. Danny and Ruth hosted me in their home in CA when I was on my way to Hawaii to meet with my husband, who was to be there for his R & R from Vietnam. I was so happy to see where they lived & to have some lovely conversations with old friends and neighbors.
My thoughts and prayers are will you all. Ruth and Dan where like second parents going up to me, I will always cherish his memory. I remember bringing my girls to visit, he so enjoyed showing and playing on his miniature golf course he made in his backyard, He was definitely a fun loving man, which he would have to be to put up with the shanigans of my mom and Ruth! I remember them always hiding Sees candy under thier beds, great memories. He is home now and looking down on all of you with I’m sure love and… Read more »
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved singing with Dan in choir. He was such a fun and loving soul.
Our loving thoughts are with Ruth, Darlene, and Cheryl. We loved having Dan in our home for Bible Study and Farrell’s for ice cream. We will miss him dearly. Take comfort now that he is with his Savior. Jesus Christ.
Cheryl, Jeff , and your families,
We are so sorry for your loss. When I read your father’s obituary, I realized what a unique and talented man he was. I also see a resemblance, Cheryl, and of course I see where you get your talent. May God bless and comfort you as only He can.
Love, John and Ruth
What a wonderful human being, Christian, friend, fellow church member Dan was. He was such a good husband to our wonderful Ruth and of course a good father and grandfather. He was a devoted member of Covenant Presbyterian church for many years. He played his flute in our Choir and was always so friendly and cheerful enthusiastic. He served his country too. Life well lived Dan. Good job. You will be missed. Your life mattered. I pray for you and Ruth. Please swing some prayers from heaven to our world. Now you can play your good flute playing in God’s… Read more »
Darlene, Cheryl, Ruth and all of his other loving family members,
Our loving thoughts are with all of you. We have such good memories of his humor, his talent as a musician and his love of family & friends. I learned even more about Uncle Dan in reading his obituary. I did not know of his whistling skills! I wish you comfort as your family shares the many good memories of him with each other. With love, Carol