David Lee Franks, son of Richard Lee and Edna Louise (Maher) Franks, was born on May 15, 1948, in Shenandoah, Iowa. He passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at the Shenandoah Medical Center at the age of 63.

He attended the Essex Community Schools, graduating from Essex High School with the Class of 1966. Dave then attended Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda where received his Associate's Degree.

On April 4, 1970, Dave was united in marriage to Peggy Ann Royer, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex. They were blessed with two children, Gregory David, 36, and Heidi Marie, 34. They lived in the Essex community all these years.

Dave worked at Farmaster Corp for three years before going to work at Eaton Corporation. He retired after 31 years with Eaton's, in 2003, with a perfect attendance record. Following his retirement he enjoyed spending time fishing, golfing, collecting large rocks and most of all, enjoying time with his family and friends.

Preceding Dave in death were his parents; brother, Martin Franks of Essex; brother-in-law, Verner Dean Isaacson of Red Oak; and grandson, Zachary David Mohatt (three months old).

Survivors include his wife of over 42 years, Peggy; son, Greg Franks, daughter, Heidi Mohatt and husband, Daniel, Jr., and two grandchildren, Natalie and Dalton Mohatt, all of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two brothers, Ronald Franks and wife Mae of Essex and Kevin Franks and wife Tammy of Essex; three sisters, Beverly Isaacson of Red Oak, Linda McGargill and husband Michael of Essex and Jolene Laumann and husband Dave of Farragut; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Cleo Royer of Essex; brothers-in-law, Jay Royer and wife Rhonda of Galesburg, MI, and Ken Royer and wife Joni of Essex; sister-in-law, Jan Cloepfil and husband Jim of Shenandoah; many special nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.