Homer Louis Franks

Homer Louis Franks, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 5, 2024 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Homer was born on April 6, 1935, in Arkabutla, Mississippi. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in April, 1953, and served his country for 20 years. During this enlistment, he had tours of duty in Vietnam, Korea, France, Guam, along with many other tours. He retired from service in May, 1973. From there, he continued his service to his country working Federal Civilian Service at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi until his retirement in April, 1995.

Homer, affectionally known as “PawPaw Homie”, spent his early retirement years with his beloved wife, Bonnie. Many memories were made fishing on the Pascagoula River and relaxing at their fishing camp in Vancleave, Mississippi, with family and friends. He lived by example and demonstrated a character of honesty, integrity, patriotism, and devotion to family. He was a genuine, loving man. He was quick with a smile. PawPaw shared stories from many of his tours, and he loved reminiscing about his and “Granny Bonnie’s” many travels around the world. Not only did he share stories, but PawPaw enjoyed when family shared their stories as well. These stories brought a warm smile and joy in his heart. He will be deeply missed. PawPaw, you are now reunited with your true love, Bonnie, in the place Christ has prepared for you both. We love you, PawPaw.

 He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie Jean (Grayson) Franks; his parents, Lewis Franks and Inez (Still) Franks; his siblings, Aubrey Russell Franks, Mattie Estelle (Franks) Hobson, Mary Ellen (Franks) Wade, and Katie (Franks) Thomas.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda (Morgan) Fournier; step son, Dave Morgan; his grandchildren, Debra Fournier (Dale) Diaz, Michael Fournier, Danielle Fournier (Eric) Bartram), Melida (Morgan) Alesich; great-grandchildren, Dale “Anthony” (Cameron) Diaz, Andrew (Amanda) Diaz, Aaron (Tristan) Diaz, Abram Diaz, Noah Bartram, Caden Bartram, Morgan Fournier, Macy McFarland, Hailey Francis Peters, Nicholas James Alesich; great-great grandchildren, Daniel & Dalton Diaz, Libby and Lucy Diaz.

 In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Homer’s memory to the Armed Forces Retirement Home-mailing a check to AFRH, 1800 Beach Dr., Gulfport, MS 39507 directed to the resident's fund or contact Michelle Richard at 228-897-4425.

The family wishes to extend a sincere heart-felt appreciation to the staff at Armed Forces Retirement Home of Gulfport, especially to all on the 2nd floor who cared for our PawPaw. We will always remember the love and kindness you showed to him and to his family. We will be forever grateful. Thank you.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:15 am on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit from 10:00am until service time. Graveside services will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Homer Franks.

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