Howard Ralph Franks, son of Sidney and Stella (Elliott) Franks, was born on October 25, 1921, in Essex, Iowa. He passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2006, at the Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Howard lived all his life in the Essex area. He received his education from the Essex Community Schools. On March 19, 1940, Howard enlisted into the U. S. Navy and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on March 19, 1946. Howard was united in marriage to Janice Marie Bengtson on August 16, 1945, at Clarinda, Iowa. Following their marriage they lived in Coburg, Iowa before moving to the present farm two miles north of Essex. Howard was a farmer all of his life. He milked cows and also drove a truck for Johnson Brother's Elevator and the Essex Elevator. He also helped shell corn and drive truck for Jack Franks. Howard enjoyed fishing and riding his four-wheeler.

Preceding Howard in death were his wife, Janice Marie Franks, in July of 1998; parents, Sidney and Stella Franks; seven brothers; one sister; and a half-sister. Survivors include his children, Randy Franks and his wife Brenda, Sally Moore and her husband Gerry, Danny Franks and his wife Carol, Billy Franks and his wife Betty, and Scott Franks and his wife Mary, all of Essex, Iowa; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 8, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Rick Sleyster. Interment was in the Essex Cemetery.