Harrison “Harry” Louis Franke, Jr, 73, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was born on December 14, 1943, to Harrison and Helen (Obadal) Franke in Bronx, New York. Harry graduated from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) at San Luis Obispo, California in 1966 where he met and married Clarice (Watts) and started their family. When he graduated he was a commissioned officer in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. He was promoted to Captain during active duty and later to Major in the Army Reserves. Following his army service, Harry worked in the oil and gas industry in sales and was a member of the Houston Chapter of the National Oil-Equipment Manufacturers and Delegates Society (NOMADS).

Harry loved to travel and enjoyed time outdoors. He loved a good bargain and could negotiate to get the best deal on ANYTHING. His love for his family will be missed. He was the grandpa who bought the loudest toy, fed the grandkids sugar, went on joyrides in his convertible, made awesome pancakes, and he loved to make sure everyone was having a good time. He lived life to the fullest and was always looking for the best party to share a laugh and toast a glass of wine (or scotch!).

Harry is survived by his three children, Chris Franke and his wife Lisa of Cypress, Texas; Michelle Franke and her wife Michelle Chappell of Fort Worth, Texas; Deborah Speranzo and her husband Todd of Scottsdale, Arizona; and five grandchildren, Thomas, Andrew, Steven, Rose, and Gabrielle. He is also survived by his sister, Jan Ratliff and her husband Don of Montgomery, Alabama; his former wife, Clarice “Corky” Franke of Cypress, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harrison and Helen Franke and three of his sisters, Patricia Wolf, Carolyn Franke, and Helen Houk.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, July 13, 2017, at Cypress Fairbanks Funeral Home, 9926 Jones Rd, Houston Texas 77065. Memorials can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mda.org/donate) or the NOMADS Scholarship Committee (P.O. Box 857, Crosby, TX 77532) in Harry’s name.

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