Harold William Franke

Dr. Harold W. “Doc” Franke, native of Kyle, Texas, was born on November 19, 1923 and passed away on July 16, 2011 at age 87. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 18th at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station. A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 19th at First Christian Church in Bryan. Interment will follow at College Station City Cemetery.

In November of 1942, he enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps and was called to active duty in March of 1943. After his basic training in Wyoming and completion of Officer Candidate School at Camp Lee Virginia, he was assigned to various islands in the Pacific with his last tour of duty on Okinawa.

Doc received his B.S. degree in Animal Science in 1947 from Texas A&M University. He was employed by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service where he served as county agent in Washington, Walker, and Navarro counties, and later became the manager of the Crestview Angus Ranch near Dallas. In 1953, he joined the TAMU Animal Science Department as manager of the beef cattle and farming operations while pursuing his masters and doctorate degrees. During this time, Doc also coached both the junior and senior livestock judging teams. He served the department until 1986 as a professor, academic advisor, and faculty sponsor for the Saddle and Sirloin Club. He retired from TAMU as Professor Emeritus.

For his involvement and support in different organizations, Doc was honored with numerous awards including the Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award in Student Relationships in 1971, the Association of Former Students Distinguished Teaching Award in 1983, and Honorary Lifetime Member of the Saddle and Sirloin Club. Other Awards included the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Outstanding Committee Man and Life Member. His genuine care and interest for the youth and relentless work ethic extended to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where he served as a superintendent for the commercial steer show. Doc’s passion for helping young people and the livestock industry led him to evaluating many livestock shows across the state and nation, a pastime he thoroughly enjoyed. He was the managing partner in a commercial cow-calf and hay operation, and these practical experiences were passed on to many students.

He is survived by his wife Mary Anna of nearly 64 years. They have two children, son Bob and daughter Luann Henderson, son-in-law Richard Henderson, and two grandchildren Victoria Henderson and Jake Franke and wife Catherine. He also leaves behind special family friend Debbie Halfmann. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Regina Franke, and brother Alton.

Doc is a symbol of integrity, hard-work, and a positive spirit and would want us to remember the wonderful memories we shared with him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to many. Just by his smile, advice, and laughter everyone knew how much he loved his family and those who crossed his path. He was a true hero and will be missed greatly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Christian Church of Bryan or the Dr. Harold W. Franke Endowed Scholarship Fund of the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University:

Department of Animal Science

133 Kleberg

TAMU 2471

College Station, TX 77843-2471