DANIEL FRANKS

Sept. 11, 1953 – Oct. 6, 2024

Daniel "Dan" Franks, 71, was born September 11, 1953, to Cliff and Marj Franks in Brawley, California, and passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024.

Dan attended schools in Brawley graduating from Brawley Union High School in 1971. Dan was very active in high school sports, including basketball, baseball, and excelling in track as a high jumper. He was involved in various clubs and was his senior class president. Many of Dan's classmates remained his lifelong friends.

Dan earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern New Mexico University in 1975 and was a member of the ENMU track team as a high jumper. He then attended the University of New Mexico earning his Master's Degree in Audiology and worked in Canada for a mining company for 3 years before returning to Albuquerque, where he would remain in the audiology field until his retirement. In Albuquerque, he developed his passion as a western artist and after his retirement moved to Chama, NM to really enjoy the quiet life. He was very proud of his part in "the cowboy gang" that held-up the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Steam Railroad, as well as the western skits that took place as the train entered Chama.

Dan's favorite trips were coming back to Brawley for his class reunions, Ceal cattle ranches with real cowboys to gather material for his western art.

Dan is survived by his brother, Mike and family, and numerous friends in the Valley as well as in Albuquerque and Chama.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Brawley Riverview Cemetery.

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

Published by Imperial Valley Press Online on Oct. 18, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL FRANKS

16 Entries

Kencil Yeargain

February 13, 2025

I was hoping that I would be the one go first be with, you and me,I know you aren´t in pain and suffering know more,I will be there when it´s my turn to leave this world?

kencil

November 7, 2024

The word come to hard, word are to put in the word down to how I feel about Dan Franks, all of friends say at that grave funeral, I´m going to miss that old goat, that was are the nicknames, he call me old goat.

kencil yeargain

November 1, 2024

Dan, was a good friend. Would talk for hours and when we were through talking. I felt better we would talk about any upcoming class reunion and what we did when we were in school. He helped me with my hearing aid. I will miss him whole lot. Thank you my friend.

Martin Feffer

October 31, 2024

Dan had such a large, accomplished presence in high school in Brawley, in so many ways. We were lifeguards together for a few years at Lions pool and I always felt overshadowed by that stature quite a bit. I don't know if we would have been friends otherwise, but he was always gracious and inclusive toward me, as colleagues at the pool, and he felt like a friend. There were a couple of times in particular when he reached out to support me in times of need. I have a lot of gratitude and respect for what an upstanding, and outstanding, human he was. I felt enriched in knowing him. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and many friends.

Bill Magel

October 25, 2024

When I got to ENMU Dan become the Big Brother I never had. He always had my back; he'd say don't worry "Bad Bill" I got you. When I got to UNM there he was, he was always encouraging me. Later we started showing each other our autograph collections. His favorite piece was an old white with black stripes high jump shoe he would send to Olympic High Jumpers to sign. Some of our phone calls would last for hours. I will treasure all of our time together. Daniel C, I will miss your laugh. Take care "Big Brother" we will meet again, I promise.

Maryanne T. Kass

October 22, 2024

Dan filled so many hearts with his longevity of friendship, especially you, Scott McNaughton.
I hope you viewed the Danish night stars before passing.
Such caring thoughts to you, Mike.
Rest in peace.

Marsha Keegan

Planted Trees

Larry Heath

October 21, 2024

Dan was a very good friend of mine. As stated in earlier text he kept up with many of his Brawley. I had not seen him in years but we talked on the phone and emailed each other about stories and sharing life experiences, of which he had many good experiences. I have some of his artwork, which is very good. He joins so many of my good friends who I think of and talk to frequently, adios amigo. Dang it.

Marsha Austin Keegan

October 20, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Marsha Austin Keegan

October 20, 2024

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Karen Sharp Alexander

October 19, 2024

Dan Franks and I met at College ( ENMU I´m Portales)
The fall of 1972. We dated through the spring of 1973 and have remained friends to the end. Dan is a talented cowboy artist and I am lucky to have two
of his drawings framed in my home. I will miss Dan but luckily I have a myriad of memories to keep me company . Sending my condolences to Mike and his family.
Karen "Sharp" Alexander

Art Dederick

October 19, 2024

Was a good friend to Dan in Chama since before 2014. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Dan and I use to swap lies at a local restaurant on Sundays here in Chama. He will be missed.

Janet Blevins Pinner

October 18, 2024

Had Danny in many junior and senior classes. Always had a smile for everyone. Rest in peace, Danny. You will be missed.

Mark and Virgie Myers

October 18, 2024

Ran track with Danny in High School. He WAS a standout high jumper. Had the pleasure or living across the street from his parents for many, many years so got to visit with Danny on his trips home. Heartfelt condolences to Mike and the Franks family.

Bobby hodges

October 18, 2024

Rip Dan may God be with you and your family at this time

Esteban Vasquez

October 18, 2024

Condolences to the Franks families, and to brother Mike.
God Bless!..

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