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Walter Franke Obituary
Topper served as Minister of Education at First Christian Church in Carrollton, Texas, as Minister at Pecan Springs Christian Church in Austin, Texas, and from 1978 to 1986 he served as Senior Pastor at First Christian Church in Salem, Va. Topper then became Associate Regional Minister in the Area Office in Roanoke. In 1991, Topper joined his alma mater, Lynchburg College, as the Vice President of External Affairs.
Throughout his life, Topper served the community as well as the church in many capacities in his years as a minister, an advisor, and as a friend. He also served on the Salem City School Board, Lynchburg College Board of Trustee, and various other boards and community organizations.
Topper Franke passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Bernice (Beezy) Franke, of Salem: daughters and sons-in-laws, Krystin and Andrew Mann, of Turks and Caicos Island, British West Indies, and Katie B. and Chris Faussenmagne, of Atlanta, Ga. Topper is survived and will be missed by his three grandchildren, Grace and Kate Mann and John Faussenmagne. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-laws, Monroe and Merle Morris, of Topsail Beach, N.C., Wayne and Robin Morris of Gasburg, Va., Glen and Cindy Morris, of Portsmouth, Va., and Wanda and Marshall Conley, of Hampton, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2009, in the First Christian Church located at 402 N. Jefferson Street, Galax, Va., with Pastor Dan Netting officiating. Interment will follow in the Felts Memorial Cemetery in Galax, Va. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 p.m. until time for the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lynchburg College, 1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, Va. 24501; First Christian Church of Salem, 712 Front Avenue, Salem, Va. 24153; First Christian Church of Galax, 402 N. Jefferson Street, Galax, Va. 24333; Floyd and Lola Landreth Scholarship Fund of the Galax Excellence in Education, 200 Maroon Drive, Galax, Va. 24333; The First Tee of Roanoke Valley, 3707 Densmore Road, N.W., Roanoke, Va. 24017; and Brite Divinity School of TCU, TCU Box 298130, Fort Worth, Texas 76129. The family also request that any special stories or comments be sent to First Christian Church of Salem.
A celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2009, in the First Christian Church of Salem with visitation and lunch to follow.
A guess book is available online at www.vaughanguynn.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Franke
Fritz Franke
July 31, 2009
Topper was my big brother. He left me the best gift one could ever want: the desire to be more like him. - Fritz
Karyn Ondrus Wolfe
July 18, 2009
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful man. He was my minister at First Christian Church Salem and I have many wonferful memories of him preaching. I am so thankful and lucky that Topper married Jimmy and I. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Grey McCormick
July 12, 2009
Topper Franke was sent to this world to
spread the joy and gospel of the Holy Spirit. Indeed he accomplished this mission by his touch, his laughter and
his devotion. I am truly honored to have known him. Even his oftentime silly tricks brought me closer to God.
I share in the grief that each member
of his family is feeling and send my
love to each of you.
Joyce Ellis
July 11, 2009
I was in the hospital very ill for several weeks in 1978 with Legionnaires Disease. I was not affiliated with a church at that time. I was surprised, happy and comforted by a visit from Topper. I very much appreciated it. I am Harriett and Winky Martin's niece. My thoughts , sympathy and love to your family
Joyce Ellis
July 11, 2009
In 1978 I was in the hospital for several weeks very ill with Legionnaires Disease. A touch and go situation. I was not affiliated with a particular church at that time. I was surprised, happy, and will always remember Topper's comforting visit to me. I send love to your family. I am Harriett and Winky Martins niece.
Kim and Kurt Franke
July 11, 2009
Topper will be greatly missed. He was such a kind man, loving husband and father. Our love and sympathy go out to you at this time of loss.
Lynn Bingham
July 9, 2009
We share your loss whole-hartedly. Topper's generosity of spirit shined brightly. We will remember his warmth, laughter ... and insight. We're thankful for having shared his company the little while he spent on earth, and offer our most sincere sympothy and love.
Lynn and Diane Bingham
Joe, Leigh Ann Tipton
July 9, 2009
You all are in our thoughts and prayers! So very sorry for your loss!
Leigh Ann, Joey, and Kyndal Tipton
Bill & Natalie Weber
July 8, 2009
Our hearts go out to all the family. We were fortunate to have known Topper. You have all our warmest thoughts.
Dick Moore
July 8, 2009
Topper was a classmate of mine at Lynchburg College (Class of 1963). I will always remember him as a great guy who always put the needs and feelings of others ahead of his own. I smile as I remember that he was also a man who was never at a loss for words! His was a life well lived... very, very productive... but far too short. My thoughts are with Beezy and his family.
Mike McDonald
July 8, 2009
What a friend Topper and Beezy have been over the years. Topper was our guest while at Carrollton First Christian church. Topper had flown our missionaries while in the Congo. His home was Virginia where he returned. We will miss you.
Jim & Jeanette Lindsey
July 7, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Cathy Bingham Miller
July 7, 2009
What a blessing to me and my family to have known Topper. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Love
Anne Joyce Heath
July 7, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I have fond memories of Topper and the time he spent with the youth of the Virginia Region at Craig Springs... from the pranks he helped us pull on each other to his never ending quest to bring us closer to God. Topper will always have a special place in my heart. God acquired another Angel in Heaven... he just needs to watch out for pranks. .
Marshall Conley
July 7, 2009
God bless you, Topper Franke.
You will never know how proud I was to be your brother-in-law.
Somehow, though, I think you knew. And for that, I am humbly grateful.
Steve Franco
July 7, 2009
Is there any more that one could ask out of life than to be known as a Man of God and a World-class Gentleman? Indeed Dr. Franke was both of those---every minute of every day. I am honored to have had the opportunity to listen to his wise counsel (and wise cracks:) on multiple occasions, and I am a better man because of those times. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during your time of loss---May The Holy Spirit bless and keep you.
Sandy Cuddy
July 7, 2009
Beezy and the girls - You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Topper is a wonderful man and will be missed by all on Hampton Roads Ave., Hampton, VA
We are all thinking of you, all our love
Al and Nancy Hunter
July 7, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. We have memories from Topsail Beach with this family and extended family.
Mark, Phil, and PJ Johnson
July 7, 2009
Our deepest condolences go out your family. Please know that we are thinking and praying for you all. Let your faith and memories guide you through this time.
Sarah Grubb
July 7, 2009
My memories of Topper's time at First Christian Church in Salem are fond ones. He was my minister when my oldest son was dedicated in the church over 25 years ago.
Much love and sympathy to Beezy and family. He will be missed by many.
July 7, 2009
Bob and I were so sad to hear about your loss.We share in your grief. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. In Loving memory of a wonderful man.
Denise & Bob Pollard-Salem va.
Julia Eva (Bingham) Schneeflock
July 7, 2009
Memories of Topper-- his faith, his love of family and friends, his smile, laughter, the list could go on and on...what a blessing God sent our family, when my dad met Topper and his family. Topper will be greatly missed on this earth.
My love and sympathy to family and friends.
Shelby Chierchia
July 7, 2009
I will miss Dr. Franke. A true kind and generous gentleman. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Brent Johnson
July 7, 2009
It was a tremendous shock to receive the news while out of town. Lori and my thoughts and prayers are with family and friends at this time. The news brought back the memories of golf trips to Sea Island with Topper, the wonderful times and stories. He will be deeply missed.
Don Morris
July 7, 2009
Remembering Topper from my time as minister at 1st Christian in Clifton Forge . My prayers are with family, friends and Lynchburg College.
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