Raymond Louis Franz

RAYMOND LOUIS FRANZ, age 75, and lifelong resident of Katy, passed away on Saturday, March 30, after a long, courageous battle with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) with the last year being especially difficult. He was born on August 19, 1937, in Barker, Texas, to C.C. and Emma Franz. Raymond graduated from Katy High School in 1955 and went on to graduate from Sam Houston State Teacher's College with a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education. He has spent the last 56 years married to his high school sweetheart, Joan Arlyn Miller Franz, whom he married at Katy First United Methodist Church on September 4, 1956, and have been members there together ever since.
Raymond is well known throughout the rice farming industry across Texas and Louisiana. He served the rice industry every day of his adult life. Raymond will be remembered by the numerous local, state, and national committees and organizations he chaired and served over the past 50 years.
Besides Raymond's love for farming, his true devotion was to his family. His wish to instill a sense of work ethic, integrity, and diligence will be remembered by all of them. When he wasn't working on the farm, he enjoyed spending time outdoors skiing at the lake, vacationing in Colorado, hunting with his sons and brother in West Texas, and any type of family gathering. He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.
Raymond is preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Inez Franz, and a granddaughter, Ashli Spilman. Raymond is survived by his wife Joan, and daughter RaeLynn Werner and her husband Tom, son Dale Franz and his wife Pam, son Kevin Franz and his wife Kathy, and daughter Kelli Spilman and her husband Mark. Also included are his brother Marvin Franz of Victoria, Texas, and his wife Norma and family. Raymond is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives with much love for this great man.
The family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to Raymond's many visitors that brightened his day, his compassionate caregivers, and the staff of Vantage Hospice. Raymond will be missed by all that knew him.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, in Katy, with Rev. Marlin Fenn officiating. A reception will follow at the church. There will be a private family burial afterwards.
Pallbearers will be Raymond's six grandsons, and honorary pallbearers are Loyd McPherson, John Fisher, Raymond Dollins, Richard Beckendorff, David Minze, and Loyd Minze.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Katy First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 925, Katy, Texas, 77492, or any charity of choice.
Condolences may be expressed at www.SchmidtFuneralHome.net.