Dennis W Franks, 84, of Mabank Texas passed away on October 17^, 2026.  Born on November 1, 1941 from humble beginnings, Dennis W. was born to Flossie and Haskell Franks in Fort Stockton, TX. Dennis dedicated his life to caring for his family, he never had an unkind word to say to anyone, and he always strived to make everyone he met feel welcome. He had a wonderful sense of humor and surrounded himself with people that made him laugh.

He is survived by the love of his life, wife of 65 years, Sandra Jean (Futch), three sons, Dennis D and wife Elyce, David, Dack and wife Alica. He was adored by his grandchildren Caitlyn and Andrew, as well as his great granddaughter, Josephine. He was preceded in death by his parents and two older brothers JC and Larry.

Dennis moved to the Panhandle as a young boy, to Borger, TX, where he apprenticed as an electrician’s assistant while also working as a paperboy. While attending high school he worked in a jewelry store where he later bought his bride an engagement ring.

No one was handier than Dennis. He could fix anything, but is true love was restoring vintage cars. While he was the original reduce, reuse, recycle fan, he also loved the newest gadgets, even things that may have failed like LaserDiscs and Betamax.

He played high school football under coach Bum Phillips. After trying out for the team in cowboy boots, Phillips was so impressed and told Dennis he couldn’t wait to see how he did wearing cleats.

After graduating high school in 1959, he moved to Pampa where he worked for his dad, and they built the Coronado Inn in Pampa. Pampa is where he also met his future bride, and they were married in August of 1961. Soon after, his cousin helped him get a job at Waukesha (WPI) in Pampa. He then worked as an industrial engineer in the Army National Guard from 1965-1971.

In 1965 Dennis and Sandra adopted their first child, Dennis D., and then welcomed their son David two years later. They lived in Pampa until 1973, before work opportunities led to a number of moves to various locations across the country, including in Fort Stockton, Tennessee, and Minnesota. They completed their family with the arrival of their third son, Dack in Dallas.

After returning to Texas and settling in Plano, Dennis’ began work as the building and maintenance engineer at the GM Training Center in Garland, TX, where he spent the majority of his career. He dedicated his final years before retiring from the workforce at the Richardson Church of the Nazarene, where he was beloved by everyone that worked with him by including the Sunday school children who made him cards and called him Mr. Dennis.

Dennis will always be remembered by those that knew him as a good and kind man. He would slip you $20 just when you really needed it. He was always there with a ready ear, a warm smile, and a firm pat on your knee. The world lost someone very special and he will be dearly missed by many.

His Celebration of Life will be held on November 21, 2026, at 2pm at the Richardson Church of the Nazarene 2101 E Renner Rd Richardson, TX 75082.