William Franke

William Paul Franke, 77, of Houston, went to be with his Lord on June 3, 2005. Mr. Franke was born Aug. 11, 1927, in Brenham, to Willie and Mathilda Lange Franke. He was baptized Oct. 9, 1927, in Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church of Berlin and was confirmed Sept. 18, 1949, in St. John Lutheran Church in Houston. Mr. Franke attended Prairie Hill and Brenham schools. He served his country in the U.S. Army. On Sept. 15, 1957, he was married to Delores Boeker in Friedens United Church of Christ in Gay Hill. Mr. Franke was a machinist for Stainless Products and was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Houston and the American Legion. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 47 years, Delores Franke of Houston; daughter, Sherry Lynn Coats and husband Aaron of Houston; son, Thomas Wayne Franke and wife Diana of Caldwell; three grandchildren, Erica, Jason and Joshua Franke, all of Caldwell; and numerous relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Otto Franke and Henry Franke; and his sister, Lillie Mae Wiese. The family will receive visitors from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 5 in Memorial Oaks Chapel. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 6 in Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham with Pastor Mark Weisenborn officiating. Interment will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. His nephews will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 5315 Main St., Houston, TX 77004 or The Medical Center Hospice, 1905 Holcombe, Houston, TX 77030.