Edward Torres Franco

San Angelo – Edward Torres Franco passed from this life with dignity into the gates of heaven on January 26, 2011 with his wife and children at his bedside in the residence where he raised them.

Ed was born on Jan. 9, 1930, in Christoval, TX to Selso and Carmen Torres Franco. He grew-up in Knickerbocker and graduated from Christoval High School where he enjoyed playing 6-man football, baseball and running track. He broke the 100 meter track record and was one of four that broke the record in the 440 relay while in high school. Throughout his life he continued to enjoy baseball, jogging, tennis and golf.

He served his country proudly and was a Korean War Veteran. He served in the U.S. Army 45th Armored Infantry Division stationed in Korea and Japan. Upon his return he met and married the love of his life Amelia (Molly) Cedillo and made San Angelo his home.

He attended San Angelo Business College, Howard College, San Angelo Real Estate School and retired after 35 years of civil service with Goodfellow AFB.

Ed never met a stranger: his warm friendly smile, strong hand shakes, big heart and great sense of humor will be deeply missed. His richest and greatest joy was his love of faith, family and friends. His calm demeanor and strong morals were instilled in his family. He loved music, dancing, travel and visiting family. He was a talented musician, who could play anything handed to him, the trumpet, saxophone, violin, but his favorite was the guitar. He loved dearly and remained active in the Knickerbocker community. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he enjoyed playing guitar in his church choir until his illness.

Waiting for him at the gates of Heaven with joy and open arms are is parents Selso and Carmen Franco, sister Mary, brothers Selso Jr. and Arthur, along with several nieces and nephews. His surviving sisters are Eloisa Parra, Margaret Alvarez and husband Tony, Cecilia Hinojosa and husband Manuel, and Elizabeth Chavez. Cousins, more like brothers to him are Barney and Paul Martinez, August Alcala and wife Lela.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Molly of 57 years. He was a devoted father to his four children Deborah Pedroza and husband Harry, Judy Lacy and husband Lance, Millie Seamands and husband Doug, Eduardo J. Franco and wife Leticia of Sugarland. He was and adored grandfather of 10 grandchildren Jonathan-Eric and Brnadon Montano of CA., Estevan Montano of GA., Blake and Tyler Lacy, Kara and Austin Seamands, Sebastian, Nicolas and Arianna Franco and 6 great-grandchildren Noah, Nico, Ashley and Makayla Montano, Dalton and Addison Lacy and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Eduardo J. Franco, Augie Alcala, Jonathan Eric Montano, Blake Lacy, Tyler Lacy, Austin Seamands, Sammy Vigil, Sebastian Franco and Nicolas Franco. Honorary pallbearers are Arthur, Jerry, Danny, Stephen, Robert and Philip Franco.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Rahman, Dr. Tuck-White and their staffs, MD Anderson, Shannon and Hospice of San Angelo, for their compassion and care. Many special thanks to family and friends who lifted dad in prayer, sent cards, called, dropped by, brought meals and just made him feel so special and blessed.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Knickerbocker, TX. or Hospice of San Angelo.

Under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home, a viewing will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, January 28th from 6-7 p.m. with a rosary following from 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s on Saturday, January 29th beginning with a viewing from 8:00 a.m. until the commencement of services at 10:00 a.m. and followed by lunch. Graveside with Military Honors will be in Knickerbocker, TX at 1:30 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at johnsons-funeralhome.com

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home, San Angelo, TX.