Charles was born on August 2, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois the son of Earl H. and Ella Mae (Clauer) Franks. Charlie grew up in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He was a boy scout, a member of the local Gun Club and attended the Methodist Church. He graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1941. He served in the United States Army Infantry in North Africa, Italy and France where he was wounded and received the purple heart medal. He received his BS degree in education with minors in Botany and History in 1950 from UW - Platteville. Charlie and Ruth Eileen Ralph were married on May 31, 1947 at her parents´ home in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. To this union three children were born: Cheryl Nannette, Ralph Earl and Margaret Ruth. In 1953, Charlie joined the Madison Police Department, eventually retiring from there as Detective Supervisor.
Charlie liked hunting, trapping, fishing, dogs, horses and photography. He had a great sense of humor and liked to play tricks on people. Charlie came to Montana to hunt deer with friends from Wisconsin. Charlie and Ruth moved to Terry in 1978, where he continued his hobbies. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge #74, American Legion Post #32 Terry and the Madison Police Protective Association. HE was a supporter of the Prairie County Museum.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ella Virginia, his brother-in-law, Virgil Hatfield and a nephew David Hatfield. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, son Ralph (Judy) Franks, Daughter Cheryl Franks, daughter Margaret (John) Krause, grandsons: Christopher Krause, Bryan Hinsen, Craig Hinsen, Shawn Franks, Granddaughter Wendy (Leo) Van Asten and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry followed by a Prayer and Masonic services at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Prairie County Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
19:00
Thursday September 8, 2011
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home-Terry
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT 59349
Funeral Service
14:00
Friday September 9, 2011
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, MT 59349
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
19:00
Thursday September 8, 2011
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home-Terry
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT 59349
Funeral Service
14:00
Friday September 9, 2011
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, MT 59349
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Brandi Gray says
I remember his laugh every time he came to visit me at the bank in Miles City. He will be greatly missed.
Angie Hagen says
I am so sorry to hear about Charles passing. I am thankful we were able to get to know each other. I enjoyed visiting with him when he would come into my office.
Denise Stambaugh says
Ruth,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Robert A. Rahn (Det. Ret) says
I came onto the MPD in 1971 and Charlie Franks and other Detectives became my career goal. His professional legacy lives on in our Detectives today. We will be placing a Memory Paver in our MPD east garden in Madison with his rank name and service dates.
Larry gempeler says
I started on the MPD in 1965 and Charlie was a very nice guy, and a friend to all.
James Ackley says
I am so sorry to have lost a friend.
Richard Daley says
I started on the MPD in 1970, and first observed Charlie as a Special Investigator who was the a special mixture of professionally thorough, very thoughtful, and always ready to help a new officer. He was a great man to look up to and aspire to be as competent. But, his wry wit and friendly easy smile are foremost in my memory. Condolences to his loved ones.
Jerry Whitfield says
I worked with Charlie in the detective bureau. He taught me how to interview bad guys. He was more successful then the other detectives. I watch Charlie move suspects to tears getting confessions. Charlie would not condemn but try to help them. My wife and I will miss him….Jerry and Jeanne
Steve Reinstra says
As a young police officer at MPD in the 1970’s I remember Charlie as an excellent Investigator and worked on a few cases with him. He was very thorough and professional. Still remember him in the afternoon Detective bureau wearing his shoulder holster and turtle neck shirt. An inspiration to us all. I later became and Detective and learned that Charlie far outpaced his peers in work ethic.
Steve Reinstra, MPD Detective Retired