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MITCHELL FRANKS Obituary
MITCHELL D.
FRANKS, 77
LAKELAND - Mitchell D. Franks passed away on the 5th of February, 2015, in Lakeland, Florida, after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Huddy, Kentucky, the eldest of seven, Mitch grew up in Flint, Michigan, before joining the Air Force where he served as a survival instructor. He completed his undergraduate education with honors at Florida State University in 1963. While at FSU, he was President of Sigma Nu fraternity. Here he met and later married Bonnie Binns of Sarasota, Florida. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in April.
Mitch graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1966 and began his service in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. He retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980. He was a Vietnam veteran and his military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, among others. His time in the Army and travels exposed him to the world and contributed to his life long passions of snow skiing and study of fine wine.
From 1980 to 1991, Mitch was with the office of Attorney General in Tallahassee, Florida. He served as the Chief Trial Counsel, Chief Deputy Attorney General and was appointed Special Counsel to the Governor of Florida where he twice argued in the United States Supreme Court. While living in Tallahassee, he reaffirmed his enthusiasm for Florida State Athletics and was a fervent Seminole booster.
Mitch was a partner in the law offices of Lane, Trohn in Lakeland and practiced law until 2015. He was a member of the Hillsborough County Bar, Polk County Trial Lawyers Association, the Tallahassee and Lakeland Bar Associations, the Federal Bar Association, The Florida and Colorado Bars. Mitch served on the 2nd District Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating Committee. He was an adjunct professor of law at Nova University in Ft. Lauderdale.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie, son Dean Franks, wife Kristi, granddaughters Avery and Catelyn of Davis Islands, Florida, and daughter Johannah Hoffman, husband Aaron and granddaughter Ava of Broomfield, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Mitch's name to the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program,
http://www.vetsprobono.org/donate-today .
Mitch will be cremated and interred at Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at a later time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MITCHELL FRANKS
Margaret Ruschman
July 22, 2015
When Mitch was a senior in high school at Flint Tech and I was a junior at Flint Central, we were in a play together. We dated off and on for a number of years. I periodically googled Mitch and was so sad to see his obit. Mitch came from humble beginnings (as did I) but was very bright and had a great personality. I feel honored to have known him
Ramona Blankinship
February 10, 2015
Mitch was a tireless advocate for FSU, and the local Seminole Booster club. He was so kind, and congenial, and I enjoyed getting to volunteer with him. As a fellow lawyer, I know he had a wonderful reputation and was always willing to assist younger lawyers who sought him out for his expertise. He was a true gentleman, and I know he will be missed by many.
Tim Hodgson
February 10, 2015
Farewell, Colonel. You truly were the most interesting man in the world! The world has lost a great man. May you rest in peace.
February 10, 2015
My condolences to the family. God bless...
Keith Rizzardi
February 9, 2015
Despite his vast accomplishments, Mitch stayed humble, and made time for everyone. He was a mentor and colleague who I will always remember as a model of honorable civil service.
Butch Rahman
February 9, 2015
Mitch was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed. He and I worked together for decades raising funds and giving it all away again every year for FSU Scholarships and for the FSU Boosters, and he had also been doing that for many years before I met him!
Daniel Land
February 9, 2015
Dear Bonnie and Family,
May you find strength and comfort during this difficult time. Mitch was such an intelligent and articulate gentleman. Much Love.
Edwin Bayo
February 9, 2015
I had the privilege of working with him at the Attorney General's Office. He was a great guy.
Bob Cohen
February 9, 2015
Bonny, we join you in mourning the loss of Mitch. He was an outstanding lawyer for the AG, as well as in his private practice. We are all thankful for his service to our country in the JAG. May he rest in peace.
Martin Oppenheim
February 8, 2015
To dear Bonnie and family. I will never yors and Mitch's warmth and hospitality to me when I stayed in your guest house with Danny. He was a wonderful man. May God grant you strength to help bear your loss. Hugs and Love from NYC...
February 8, 2015
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Franks and family. Mitch was a great asset in the AG's office. Sincerely, Morris Shelkofsky
Christine Strickland
February 7, 2015
Mitch was taken from us too soon Bonnie. He has left a space no one else can fill, and will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to you, and to Dean, Johannah and their families.
Mark Marcaccio
February 6, 2015
Mrs. Franks and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he fought to the very end. That is the man that I knew.He and his partners at Lane/Trohn gave me a chance in 1995 to make a good life for myself. Today I still take care of The Lane/Trohn building. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark and Mary Marcaccio
Stephanie Daniel
February 6, 2015
You have my sympathies. Mitch was a legend at the AG's Office and a valued part of the Government Lawyer's Section.
Carolyn Hennecy Smith
February 6, 2015
I had the distinct honor or working with Mitch at f/k/a Lane-Trohn. A conversation with him was always enlightening, educational and a sheer delight. I often found myself saying, "Really? I didn't know that." After reading his obit, I know even more reasons why this scholar and gentleman was held in extremely high regard, respected by all who shared moments of life with him. A hero till his last breath! Thank you, Mitch, for your bravery and service to our country. Sincerest condolences to the family. May peace, Light and Love give you comfort during this time.
Kristin Thompson
February 6, 2015
The world is a bit less bright and a whole lot less interesting without Mitch to brighten it up and stir the pot. Bonnie, Dean and Johannah, we'll miss Mitch so very much. Kristin & Richard
Mary Ellen Clark
February 6, 2015
Mitch was a valued member of the Government Lawyer Section of The Florida Bar for many years. We will miss his wisdom and guidance.
February 6, 2015
Bonnie, Dean and Johannah, I am so sorry for your loss. I am heartbroken. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this extremely sad time. Love Becky Perkins
Jim Headley
February 6, 2015
Mitch was a kind Gentleman and a great mentor to a fledgling attorney years ago. He will be sincerely missed! Jim Headley
ann & mike white
February 6, 2015
bonnie & family, we were so sorry to hear of mitch's death. may God bless you & your family! remember I knew you from Tallahassee and ivy-daisy garden circle!
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