Herman Louis Franks Sr.

Dear Franks Family, just wanted to share my memories of Herm. When I was a little girl he showed me how to clean fish at Flaming Gorge, then later he cooked them, and we had such delicious trout. Also, thought his love for dogs was great, and having your own big, leather comfy chair. Always so sweet to me, and let me play my ukulele badly while singing. A gruff man they say, sure, but never to me. Ami so nice to me always as well. Best to all of you.

Dear Lauri,

I was so sad to read of your father-in-law's passing; life just isn't fair sometimes. I hope Herm is doing well though, and things are looking up for your family. I will continue remembering you all in my prayers. God Bless.

Jeanette Simkins

Dear Franks Family,

The friendship between Herm and Mickey Oswald was treasured by both. Mickey always admired the success that Herm had in baseball and in life. Herm always admired Mickey as his coach and mentor.

If there is Spring Training in heaven, both are sitting in the stands next to the dougout having chatting about the game.

As a young boy, I was with my dad one day when Herm came to see him in his office in the old Boys' Gym at East High. They had fun just being together.

We will miss Herm and all the good he did. Each time I pass by the baseball field named after Herm on 7th East and 13th South, I remember the day he was there and talked about the influence of Coach Oswald on his life.

Sorry my assignments with the recent LDS Conference kept me from attending and having a chance to visit with the family.

I was saddened to hear of your Dad's death.
My sinsere sympathy to all your family.

Dear Ami,
Our parents, Mickey and Belle Oswald, cherished the friendship that they had with you and Herm. Herm was always so kind and generous to his High School coach. My parents' trip to spring training was one of the highlights of their year. I have attached a photo from spring training in 1966. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Ami,

We are very sorry to hear of Herm's passing. I wish I had made the opportunity to get to know Herm better. You are wonderful neighbors and I will continue to look forward to your cheerful smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Herm, and your family.

Chuck and Janet Grissom

To Ami and Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find strength and courage in your love for Herman, and in the memories that each of you created over the years.

Ami, I met you and Herman during a business trip to Salt Lake City in September of 2003. Prior to the trip, I sent Mr. Franks a letter with the hope of meeting him while in town. As a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, I was thrilled when he called me at the hotel to set a time to meet.

On the day of, you and Herman drove to the hotel to pick up me and my colleague, Robert Lawrence. Robert and I were deeply appreciative and honored that you both took the time to meet us, pick us up and to be treated to brunch at one of your favorite restaurants. Then the driving tour that you and Herman took us on was a fantastic experience. Throughout the time that you and Herman unselfishly gave to Robert and me, we enjoyed the stories and personal histories that you both shared of how and when you two met, Herman's baseball career, your children's growing into fine adults, and how Herman's mother called him when she needed him to take care of something for her.

Robert and I still talk about that day and how much we appreciate and respect you and Herman. It is rare when someone puts faith and trust into strangers as you and Herman did, and Robert and I are the better for it. You both blessed us with your kindness and respect, and we will forever be grateful. You and Herman will always be remembered with the highest of regards and the greatest of respect.

Thank you.

I remember Herm and Ami visiting us in Arizona in the early 60's . I ahd never scene such a big motorhome. He later sent me a signed baseball from the San Franciso Giants. Herm was my mothers cousin. She was Louisa Maria Roman . My thoughts are with you all.

I thought the Franks family would appreciate viewing the fond rememberances of some Chicago Cubs fans on bleedcubbieblue.com who fondly remembered Mr. Franks tenure as manager of the Cubs. He was a great baseball man, a great manager, and from what I have read on this site, a great family man as well. The link is below.

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/3/31/816677/herman-franks-1914-2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God Bless you and may perpetual light shine upon Herm.

Life will never be the same without uncle Herm. We miss you so much already. You were such an icon to the world, and your family. Such a great example. My Dad said he felt like you were always like a Dad to him, and I know why. As kids, we didn't appreciate the colorful gruff uncle who smoked that delicious smelling pipe. But it didn't take long to see the teddy bear inside. I'll never forget you teaching me gin rummy. My friends still can't beat me! We love you so much, and your entire family, and just feel so greatly for the loss. We'll look after Ami so much, she'll be sick of us! Thank you for all the wonderful moments and memories, and for being an incredible example of how to live, and what is important in life. Just looking at your family, it's obvious. We love you, and your whole family so much.

Ami, I'm so sad about Herman's passing. I have so many fantastic memories about Herman's and Johnny's long friendship. Their Mothers were also friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Vivian Grako

From making my little league team because my dad was the sponsor to actually contributing to its success, full credit goes to Herm for spending a summer teaching and building confidence in an otherwise hopeless and hapless kid. He made a big difference in my life. Our deepest sympathies to the lovely Ami and the entire Franks family, we love you all.

You can spot a great man by the families that they raise. We want the family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. This has been a very tough time. We love you all dearly.