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Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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Williamston, Michigan

Michael Franks Obituary

Michael S. Franks

Williamston

Michael S. Franks, the son of the late Myron A. and Dollie L. (Olson) Franks, was born September 27, 1958, and passed away unexpectedly on January 11, 2015 at age 56. 

Michael was employed by The City of Lansing, and a classic car enthusiast. The most important things to Michael were his family and his grandchildren, who will miss him dearly.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents Myron and Dollie Franks. He is survived by his wife Donna (Douglas) Franks; daughters Keyla (Brent) Eubank, and Kara Johnson; grandchildren Kyle, Emily, Colby, and Peyton Eubank; brother Steve (Sandra) Franks; and sister Terri (David) Campbell.

A funeral service will be held Friday January 16th 2015 at 11am at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel, 205 E. Middle Street. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the chapel and one our prior to the service from 10-11am on Friday. Officiating the service will be Pastor Shane Prewitt.

Those desiring may make donations to the memorial fund for Mike Franks, c/o Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 205 E. Middle St., Williamston, MI 48895.  

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel.

 Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grwilliamston.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Jan. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Franks

Not sure what to say?





Ann Derscha

February 3, 2015

Dear Donna and Family,
I am shocked and so saddened to hear of your loss, I know too well what you are feeling and my heart and prayers go out to all of you. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Sending hugs and love.

Liza Estlund Olson

January 21, 2015

To Mike's Family-

We were lucky to have Mike pass through our lives. He was a colleague when I worked for the City of Lansing. Mike worked to live and enjoy his family which he did everyday. While we will all miss and mourn his passing I am going to enjoy fond memories and smile with each of them. Cry when you need to, talk about him often to his grandkids and laugh and enjoy life like he did.

Chad Gamble, COO and Director of Public Service

January 15, 2015

Mrs. Franks and the rest of the Franks Family,
We were very blessed to have a great public servant in Mike working for the City. There were few thanks from the general public as Mike, like many in the Public Service Department, were just content doing their very important jobs day in and day out, year in and year out. Mike saved the lives of countless people, and protected the public safety of hundreds of thousands of citizens by keeping police cars and ambulances running and performing emergency repairs for almost two decades.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace. Prayers of support, healing and rememberance of laughter with his grandkids be with you all. On behalf of the entire Public Service Family and the City of Lanisng.

Aaron Gorter

January 15, 2015

What a neat man Mike was. He was 1 of my "Beaver" customers @ the Lansing city garage. Always had stories to tell me & I enjoyed every single one of them. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family.

Brad Onweller & Barbette Falk

January 14, 2015

Steve, Terri and families-Sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Our thoughts are with you all during this time. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Doug Johnston

January 14, 2015

Donna - I was very sad to hear about Mike. I always enjoyed visitng with you and Mike weather it was during the HRPT, Woodward Dream Cruise or other local events. I hope to see you in the future. Mike will be missed.

Mary Ann Juarez

January 14, 2015

Donna and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Nadine Davis

January 14, 2015

God is watching over all of you. He love you all.

January 14, 2015

Steve and family: so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Many memories from High school flood back. Being at your house after school and joking around. thoughts and prayers are with you. Kay (Fisher) countryman

January 14, 2015

Dear Donna and family,
I was so sorry to read of your loss. I know how much you and Mike enjoyed your classic car and your time together. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen Scott (Delta Dental)

Lorraine Disbrow

January 14, 2015

My condolences to all. RIP Mike.

January 13, 2015

May God keep you in His arms during this difficult time. Mike will always be with you in spirit and in your memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mark and Kathy Franks and family

Marshall Vanantwerp

January 13, 2015

So sorry for the loss of Mike, he was a good kid in school and a good man in life.

Bob Cantlon

January 13, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Mike was a great guy! He will be missed.

-From his friends at the Lansing Police Department.....

Judy Battle Rogan

January 13, 2015

Donna and Family I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort all of you on this journey. Keep all of your memories close to your heart. They will always be there for you. Í will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Take care Judy

Chad Reynolds

January 13, 2015

To Donna, Kara, and Keyla, know that your hot rod family is here for you, and that we are so sorry for your loss. We are feeling it too. That's how great Mike was. Thank you for sharing him with us.

January 13, 2015

Donna, we are sorry for your loss, our deepest condolences.

Tom & Theresa Grover

Sally & Courtney Cook

January 13, 2015

Donna and family, We are so very sorry for your loss. May the good memories you have together be of comfort to you as you take this difficult journey. Our thoughts are with you.

Amanda (Mandi) Stressman

January 13, 2015

Dear Keyla and Family, I am so sorry for this very unexpected passing and yet thankful he was able to hold his newest Grandson Peyton. My heartfelt sympathy to you all on your loved ones untimely passing. Prayers to our God that He lift you on wings of prayer; that he comfort you now and forevermore. Hold tight to your precious memories and His promise that one day we will all be together again.

January 13, 2015

Donna, Keyla, Kara and family. Our heartfelt sympathy is with you in your time of sorrow. May God bless you. John & Elizabeth Ablett

G. Allen Pearson

January 13, 2015

Donna, my deepest condolences for your loss. I am going to miss Mike very much as I always looked forward to running with you both on PowerTour.

January 13, 2015

Donna and family, Mike will be missed by all that knew him. Weather he was "Rocketman" are Mike his smile will forever be smiling on you and your family.

Shelia, Andy Fisher

Jance Greene (Rau)

January 12, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Donna and to Mike's family & friends! You are all in my thoughts! .... "Mickey Franks" may you rest in peace... Your personality nor your smile will never be forgotten!

Scott (gtpilot88) and Therese Campbell

January 12, 2015

So sorry to hear. Didn't know Mike very much but the times I met him I knew he was a great hearted person. He will be missed by many, and many who didn't know him yet will miss the chance to meet him. Your family is in my wife's and my thoughts and prayers. Mike keep the top down and the speeds high, you will be missed

Pat & Suzi Macaluso

January 12, 2015

Donna & Family, our prayers and thoughts are with you. We will never forget Mikes burn out on “Route 66” in Springfield IL with the cutlass.
Pat & Suzi Macaluso

January 12, 2015

Donna and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always cherish that we were fortunate enough to get to know and be friends with Mike & Donna Franks. Mike is forever a Long Hauler in my book.

Jim & Cathy Moldaschel
North Mankato, MN

January 12, 2015

Donna, our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Mike's passing is a great loss to all who knew him
Mike and Susie Anderson

David, Shelly, and Melannie Mills

January 12, 2015

Our DEAR friend Michael...taken from us so soon. Wow,! Where do we begin..How do we say goodbye to such a special person in our lives.You have always been such a great friend, like a brother, like an uncle to our daughter. So many good and sad times shared. Mostly great times. We will treasure 100s of memories. Thank you for those.You are gone from our lives here on earth...but NEVER forgotten buddy. R.I.P. Michael. Till we meet again Bro. We will always love you. So many thoughts and prayers to Donna, the girls, grand babies, Steve, and Teri. Huge hugs!! Love you all. Michael loved family, friends, and life. GOD BLESS

John and Kathy Tyrrell

January 12, 2015

Mike will be missed by (I'm not exaggerating) thousands of his Power Tour friends. Godspeed Rocketman
John and Kathy Tyrrell

Thomas Redick

January 12, 2015

Steve,

I'm very sorry to hear your big brother passed so soon -- he was such a genial next door neighbor, always ready with a laugh and coaching in hoops on your garage basket. I lost my brother David at 28 in a skydiving accident, and it took years to recover from the grief. My prayers are with you and Terri and Mike's family at this time.

Tom Redick

Randy Wood

January 12, 2015

Met Mike and Donna on our first Hot Rod Power Tour in 2006 and every year after that he was one of the first to greet you at the venue.On behalf of the Wood family,Woody and LuAnn we would like to say how very sorry we are for your loss Donna and you will be in our thoughts and prays in the coming days.We will meet at the big road track in the sky again.Rest in peace friend.Camino Kid.

Mike & Laura Stueck

January 12, 2015

Donna & family we are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort. Mike will be sorely missed by all of us on the Tour. - Mike & Laura

Beth Rodgers

January 12, 2015

Thinking of you all and remembering Mike fondly!!! Always had a smile on his face!!!

Diane & Ben Shirey

January 12, 2015

We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Such sad news. We are sorry we cannot be at the funeral to support you and remember him (we are out of town). Our thoughts & prayers will be with you all.
Diane (Olson) & Ben Shirey

Greg & Mendy Kinsler

January 12, 2015

May God be with you and your family at this trying time in your lives. I will always charish the great memories we have shared together from Power Tour and the Woodward Dream Cruise to Matt Layman's in Indy it was always a pleasure running into you and your wife Donna. God's speed and may you always be riding topless Love you brother. Thank you for being there. Greg & Mendy Kinsler (Pintoboy77)

Marie and Jan Near

January 12, 2015

We are very sad to hear the news of Mike. We had so much fun with him and Donna on the NERR! Please take comfort in all the fun and memories you have. We will have a drink in memory of him and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

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