Richard Franks, 86, of Hart Texas passed away on May 8, 2024, in Dimmitt. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. in the Colonial Funeral Home Chapel in Dimmitt, Texas with Coby Gilbreath officiating. Arrangements and Cremation Services have been entrusted to the Colonial Funeral Home of Dimmitt.

Richard was born on May 2, 1938, in Bell County, Texas to Dean and Julia (Ellis) Franks. He attended school in Gatesville, Texas, and was a 1956 Gatesville High School Graduate. He furthered his education at Texas Tech University, graduating in 1961 with his bachelor's degree, and then received a master's degree from Louisiana State University in 1963. Richard began his long-time career with Wilbur Ellis in Donna, Texas which later moved him to Hart in 1963.

Richard was a member of the Hart Lions Club, First Baptist Church of Hart, and Hart Senior Citizens. Richard also served a term as Mayor of Hart.

Richard loved to rope and play tennis, which he learned to play in his 40s. He was a straightforward man who told it like it was or how he thought it was and enjoyed telling a good joke, especially an Aggie Joke.

Those left to cherish his memories are, brother Gerald Franks and his wife Patsy of Hart, Texas; sister Judy Whitt and her husband Jimmy of Hamilton, Texas; two grandchildren, Brody Gilbert of Pampa, Texas and Sydney Westin of Austin, Texas; two son-in-law's, Mark Gilbert of Pampa, Texas and Eddie Westin of Lubbock, Texas; longtime companion Mary Lockhart; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dean and Julia Franks, wife Carlyn Franks, and two daughters Laurey Gilbert and Lesley Westin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation, 3001 S. Jackson, San Angelo, Texas 76904, Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo, 1501 Steit Dr., Amarillo, Texas 79106, or a charity of your choice.