Cover photo for George L. Franks's Obituary
George L. Franks Profile Photo
1934 George 2025

George L. Franks

May 11, 1934 — July 2, 2025

George L. Franks, 91, of Palm Springs, California, passed away July 2, 2025 in California. He was born May 11, 1934 in Mississippi to parents, Dee and Bytha Franks.

George grew up in Mississippi where he graduated from Marietta Highschool in Marietta, Mississippi. George and Virginia M. Smith were married July 5, 1952. After they married, they moved to Zion, Illinois where they were members of the Zion Church of Christ. George moved to Palm Springs, California in 2012.

George was a man of many talents; a successful food broker who built his own marketing business in the confectionery industry, a man of deep faith, and someone who truly never met a stranger. A true adventurer at heart, George had a passion for aviation, fishing, hunting, and traveling; whether it was exploring the world or hitting the road for a solo trip.

George is survived by his daughter, Regina (Michal) Orawiec; grandchildren, Jennifer (Dan) Kielp, Kimberly Orawiec, and Jason Orawiec; great grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan, Derek, Lucas, and Lauren; sister, Wetonia (Alton) Howell; brother, Joel Franks; sister-in-law, Patricia Franks; special companion, Sheila Weinberg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Virginia M. Franks; parents, Dee and Bytha Franks; brother, Belton Franks; and sister-in-law, Betty Franks.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., a second visitation will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL, with Evangelist David Padfield, officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL.

To send flowers to the family in memory of George L. Franks, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Monday, July 14, 2025

5:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)

Congdon & Co Funeral Directors

3012 Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL 60099

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Second Visitation

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Congdon & Co Funeral Directors

3012 Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL 60099

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

Congdon & Co Funeral Directors

3012 Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL 60099

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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