- Date Of Birth: August 20, 1969
- Date Of Death: May 30, 2021
- State: Alabama
Thomas “Kenny” Franks, 51, of Junction City, KS, formerly of Tuscaloosa, AL, passed away on May 30, 2021 with his loving wife, Kristi, by his side.
He was born on August 20, 1969, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Johnnie and Karen Marzell (Finch) Franks. He graduated from Central High School of Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1987 and later joined the United States Air Force. He served honorably for over 24 years and retired in August of 2011. In his civilian career, he continued with the skills that were taught to him by the Air Force in weather radar and equipment maintenance. He also received Civilian of the Quarter numerous times. Kenny was stationed at Maxwell AFB for many years throughout his career. He was stationed at Robins AFB, two tours of Korea, and a deployment to Bosnia. His last duty station was Langley AFB, where he retired.
Kenny was a peanut butter lover, eating straight from the jar. He loved his Eagle Brand Syrup and Dreamland sauce that came from Alabama.
Kenny was always known to “Be Prepared” since that was the Boy Scout motto. He always had a pen on him and a pocketknife. He was a MacGyver and could fix anything. If he couldn’t, duct tape or a zip tie would do.
Kenny met his soon to be wife on September 14, 2002 at a hair salon, where she cut his hair. After dating for a year, Kenny popped the question on May 23, 2003 at Jubilee City Fest during a Jo Dee Messina concert. During the song “I Want A Man Who Stands Beside Me”, he got on one knee and asked Kristi to be his wife. Kenny lived up that song.
On May 29, 2004, he married Kristi Ruiz in Chapel #2 at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL. They settled their small family in the Junction City area and have been part of the community ever since.
Kenny was a hard worker but also enjoyed social and outdoor activities. In his leisure time, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 64, where he was an assistant scout master, committee chairman, merit badge counselor, and role model. Kenny was an Eagle Scout and his son, Zach, had just become an Eagle Scout. Kenny was also part of the brotherhood for Order of the Arrow. Kenny was also active in Scout Troop 264, where his daughter, Meghan, is currently a member. She will be following in father’s and brother’s footsteps by becoming an Eagle Scout.
He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a proud dance dad that would always be cheering on his daughter, Madison, at football and basketball games along with dance competitions. He was a loving husband, caring father, beloved son and brother, and loyal friend.
Kenny is survived by his loving family: wife, Kristi Franks of Junction City, KS; his son Zachariah Hayes-Franks; His daughters Madison and Meghan Franks; his mother Marzell Franks of Tuscaloosa, AL; his siblings Kevin Franks and Nancy Carden; many nieces and nephews; and a host of loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Banks Franks and his brother, Keith Franks.
203 North Washington
Junction City, KS 66441
785-762-3131
Service:Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 11:00am
974 Fellowship Rd., Vernon, AL 35592
