George Franks, Jr.

     George Franks, Jr. age 97, a former resident of Portland, Indiana and Frostproof, Florida, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2017 in Gibson City, Illinois. 

     George was born on July 11, 1919 in Portland, Indiana, the son of George W. and Beatrice I. (Miller) Franks.  George graduated from Portland High School in 1937.  He enlisted into the U.S. Army through the National Guard and entered the service on January 17, 1941.  An Infantryman Soldier of the 38th Infantry Division he served in World War II in the Southern Philippines, Luzon and New Guinea.  He acquired the Combat Infantry Badge, Sharpshooter Rifle Badge, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, America Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Carbine Badge and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star.  George retired from Sheller Globe in Portland.  He and his wife owned and operated Mary’s Antiques in Portland for several years.  He married Mary Jane Bates-Kanam on August 3, 1946 and she passed away on September 29, 2005. 

     Survivors include:

     1 daughter:  Linda Ludwick (husband Donald) – Muncie, Indiana

     4 grandchildren: Richard Ludwick (wife Melynda), Matthew Franks (wife Chris), Aaron Franks (wife Billie) and Shane Franks (wife Kendra).   

     Several great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren

     Several nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Franks, a son, George R. Franks, a daughter-in-law, Linda Geesaman-Franks, 2 sisters, Ruth Lykins and Helen Neuenschwander, 3 brothers, Fredrick, Robert and Charles Franks. 

   Special thanks to Billie who saw that George had special and wonderful care the last days of his life. 

     Visitation will be held on Monday, May 8, 2017 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland.  Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.  Pastor Hugh Kelly will officiate the services and burial will follow in the Center Cemetery, west of Portland. 

     The American Legion Post #211 of Portland will conduct military graveside rites. 

     Memorials may be directed towards the Museum of the Soldier in Portland.      

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