Thomas H. Franck

Thomas Howard Franck, of Rio Hondo, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2021 after a long illness. He was born on September 6, 1946 to Arlo “Pat” and Geraldine “Dode” Franck in Independence, Iowa.

Thomas learned the value of hard work at an early age by helping at Pat’s, his parent’s tavern. He graduated from Independence High School in 1964 and joined the U. S. Navy, where he served during the Vietnam War.   After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1967, he attended barber school and became a barber in his hometown.

In 1974, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served until his retirement in 2001. During his more than three decades of military service, Thomas was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (1 Gold Star), the Coast Guard Unit Commendation (1 Bronze Star),the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action with Palm Leaf, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Coast Guard Good Conduct (1 Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars), the Vietnam Service Medal, the Department of Transportation Secretary’s Outstanding Unit Award, and the Vietnam Campaign (2 Bronze Stars). During his military service, Thomas also wore the Coast Guard Enlisted Advisor Badge.

In his leisure time, Thomas enjoyed dancing, playing pool, watching sports on TV, and socializing. He loved dogs and was a wonderful storyteller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Dode Franck.

Left to treasure his memory is his wife, Melissa Greenwood Franck; his daughters, Melissa Franck and Lora (Joshua) Shalan; stepdaughters, Michelle Kuper and Kelli Hansen; grandchildren, Kylie Tronson, Hunter Stevenson, Anders Nordstam; and great-grandchild, Silas Tronson.

Thomas was cremated and in keeping with his wishes, his ashes will be scattered at sea from a U.S. Coast Guard vessel.