Gary Allen Franks Sr.

While living in Bell Gardens, CA as a child, Gary attended elementary school, shined shoes and sold newspapers to earn spending money. Gary grew up around many aunts, uncles and cousins. Gary's family moved to Ivanhoe, CA to be closer to his grandparents when he was 10 years old. He attended elementary school in Ivanhoe through the 8th grade and attended Redwood HS in Visalia, CA.

Gary joined the US Marine Corp following high school where he earned the highest grade of "Sharpshooter" in boot camp. He was stationed at Camp Pendelton in San Diego, CA where he learned everything about tank operations.

Following his service he went to welding school and began building farming equipment as an independent welder. He soon met and married the love of his life, April Myers and they began building a life together in Visalia. Gary spent several years in the irrigation business including managing Stone Corral Irrigation District and working for Tulare Irrigation District. Gary accepted an opportunity to work in Waste Water Management for the City of Porterville and drove roll-off for the City of Porterville and the City of Visalia. When a new opportunity was offered, he began managing the Jack Frost Ice Plant in Visalia for many years. During that time he attended the Dale Earnhardt School of Management.

He realized his dream of living on the California Central Coast in 2007 and began working for the State of California Parks service.

Gary had a myriad of talent, interests, and skills, and was very friendly and social. Gary was a talented singer and dancer and especially enjoyed emulating his favorite entertainers. He enjoyed learning karate, and was a big boxing and football fan, a die-hard Raider’s fan. Gary's family was most important to him.

Gary enjoyed living in Morro Bay for 10 years and loved taking his grandchildren to the beach and on hikes. He loved outdoor activities with them and spent hours spoiling them. Gary enjoyed tending his succulent garden.

Gary's sense of humor is what many will remember him by, as he loved telling stories, playing pranks, and laughing for hours. Gary was soft hearted and helped many people he saw in need. Sometimes giving them the coat off his back or the boots off his feet.

Gary is survived by the love of his life and soulmate April who he doted over. His children, Ron Green of Oregon, Gary Franks, Jr. of New Hampshire and Jessica Alvarez (Emmanuel) of Visalia; seven grandchildren, Tyler, Darby, Ian, Drezden, Nicolette, Eden and Ronan; two great grandchildren, Zoey and Ronnie. In addition, Gary is survived by his brothers, Tommy, Donald and Danny (Judy) Franks all of Visalia and sister Shirley Chacon (Ray) of Missouri as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John Wesley Franks; his mother, Vida Marie Marcom and his brother John Darrell Franks.

Gary was bigger than life, boisterous, the life of the party. He is missed terribly by his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or the cause of your choice.