Virgil Lee Franks

Virgil Lee Franks, 68, of Ada, Oklahoma went to be with the Lord on April 7, 2023 in Ada.
Virgil was born on August 20, 1954 in Sasakwa, Oklahoma to John and Lucy Franks. Virgil was a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation. He was a 1975 graduate of Sasakwa High School, where he was a member of the '72 and '73 Sasakwa Viking Boys Basketball State Championship Teams. He held Oklahoma Basketball State records for many years and was voted MVP. He also received the Jim Thorpe Award. Following high school, Virgil went to Murray State where he met Linda, his wife of 47 years. Shortly after marriage, he began work in the oil and gas industry. He worked in this industry for 46 years with companies including Arco, Citgo, and Williams Pipeline, later known as Magellan Midstream Co. He was a hard, dependable worker and made many life-long friendships with his colleagues. Virgil enjoyed fishing, often going to and winning tournaments. He also enjoyed coaching each of his three children's basketball, softball, and baseball teams. His other hobbies included, playing basketball and coed softball, bowling, visiting elders, going to watch basketball games around the state with family and friends, helping anyone in need, taking family trips, making many new friends at Walmart, and attending family gatherings. He loved taking care of his family more than anything. He attended church at Morris Memorial Baptist Church but supported local native churches, often through men's breakfasts. In 2011, he answered God's call to work with Malawi Orphan Ministries. He traveled to Malawi to dig water wells and was adopted as grandfather to many while there. He is known as a gentle giant with a heart as big as he is.
He is remembered as a beloved papa, father, son, brother, and friend. He leaves behind his wife, Linda of Ada, two daughters, Jennifer Daniel of Ada, and Allison Ross and her husband Joe Ross of Madison, WI, eight grandchildren Cassidy Wilkins, Chris Franks, Samuel Daniel, Alexander Daniel, Piper Daniel, Malia Franks, Delaney Ross, and Olin Ross. He also leaves behind brothers Ray Franks (partner Kim Harjochee), Danny Franks, and George Franks and sisters Molly Mack and Margie Lena (husband Manuel Lena) and brothers and sisters-in-law, Veva Moore, Paula Whitehead (husband Mike Whitehead), John Howard (wife Tammie Howard), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucy Franks, his beloved son, Chris Franks, a sister, Faye Harjo, and many others including nephews, aunts, uncles, and numerous friends.
Pall Bearers will be Cassidy Wilkins, Joe Ross, Samuel Daniel, Chris Franks, Alexander Daniel, Dusty Nelms, Manuel Lena, Jr., and Micah Lena.
Honorary Pall Bearers will be Gary Jamar, Haskell Alexander, Michael Whitehead, Dennis Nelms, Bill Hart, and Otis Martin.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 at Morris Memorial Baptist Church in Latta, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Franks Family Cemetery in Wewoka, Oklahoma. A family visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Monday, April 10th, 2023 at Estes-Phillips Funeral Home in Ada, Oklahoma.