Allen Franks Obituary

Allen Franks attended Ashland High School in Ashland, OH. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Allen Franks.

Graduation Year	Class of 1948
Date of Passing	Apr 03, 2011
About	Allen W. Franks, 81, senior master sergeant in U.S. Air Force April 5, 2011 COLUMBUS -- Allen W. Franks, senior master sergeant, 81, returned home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 3, 2011, after a brief illness. Mr. Franks was born in Ashland on March 17, 1930, to John Wesley and Gertrude White Franks. He graduated with Ashland High School's class of 1948. He was an auto mechanic for Donley Motors K-F/ Studebaker Autos until September 1950. He then enlisted with United States Air Force, completed basic training and many fighter jet aircraft engine maintenance schools. His first assignment was to 3640th pilot training/maintenance squadron as a "torch-tender," also known as "Fighter-jet Crew Chief." Later, his assignments included flight chief "B" flight, where he responsible for safety of 16 jet aircraft maintenance and personnel out of 190 base wide at Williams AFB, Ariz. In November 1953, he was assigned to Laredo, AFB, Texas, as flight line safety NCO, working with Lockheed Aircraft factory "tech" rep's until being honorable discharged September 1954. Upon returning to Columbus, he enlisted with 121st Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard, Lockbourne AFB, Ohio. Later, he was assigned to Donald Groves flight of Lockheed F80C fighter jets as "air technician" for many years, where he worked on many types of fighter jet aircraft maintainers with team members that were trained and motivated guardsman to be mission-oriented, resulting in achieving their goals to be "the cream of the crop" of professionalism as fighter jet maintainers. To enable 121st fighter pilots to be "the best in the air and ready for any mission." Allen, a.k.a. "Big Al," was recalled to active duty during several national/worldwide crisis along with his guardsman. After a long, enjoyable, nerve-racking 36 years with USAF/Ohio National Guard, he retired in 1986 as SMSFT air tech jet aircraft scheduled maintenance supervisor. "Thanks, everyone, for a good ride!" Mr. Franks was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Billy; son, Michael Allen Franks, of the U.S. Army. He is survived by wife of 40 years, Edeltraut "Trudy" Franks; nephews, Bill (Jan) Johnson, Brian (Debbie) Johnson, Bob (Annette) Johnson, David (Robin) Johnson; sister, Rosemary Johnson; brother, Dave Franks. Funeral service will take place 2 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011, at Evans Funeral Home, 4171 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, where friends may call from noon until time of service. The Rev. P.K. Fowler will officiate. Interment will follow in Glen Rest Cemetery, Reynoldsburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association. An online guest registry is available at www.evansfuneralhome.net ALLEN FRANKS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------