Ralph Franse

Ralph Edward Franse was born in Portales, New Mexico July 11, 1930 the eight of twelve children born to his parents Walter and Jessie Franse. Ralph grew up in Portales where he attended High School. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the Escort Carrier USS Badoeng Strait during the Korean War. He was employed by Gifford Hill in Farwell and established Franse Irrigation a firm his sons continue to operate to this date.

Ralph was very active in civic affairs in Farwell and was an avid booster for the High School teams. He was instrumental in establishing a Veterans Memorial Statue in the park in Farwell. He was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church in Farwell and helped establish ministries in Guatemala, Brazil and the Jail ministry in Farwell.

He is survived by his wife Lucille McDonald Franse three sons Steve Edward Patti Franse, John Kevin Carole Franse and James Mitchell Wanda Franse grandchildren Johnathan, Josh, Shawna, Adam, Chrissy Mike, Samantha Robert Jarrod Cassie, Paul Jessica, Julie Will, and Jessica great grandchildren Lexi, Rionna, Noah, Ava, Gavin, Tyler, Ally, Blake, Mason, Desiree, and Jason brothers and sisters, Marie Lamb Mackechnie, Bill Twila Rodden, Thelma Anderson, Ida Purdum, and her children Gary, Cathy, Danita Purdum Helen Franse, Letha Franse, Roy Jerrie Lou Franse, their children Nelson, and Clay, Betty McCormick, and a nephew Mike Franse son of Clarence. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Clarence and Donald Franse, sisters Carolyn Reese and infant Rusha Nell.

Services will be held Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Farwell High School Auditorium at 2:00 CST in Farwell, Texas with Rick Sullivan officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Terrace Cemetery in Farwell. Pallbearers will be Jarrod Franse, Adam Capps, Paul Franse, Erasmo Ramirez, Will Carter, Johnathan Franse and Joshua Franse. Honorary Pallbearers will be all his friends. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Jail Ministry of Parmer County in care of the Parmer County Sherriffs Department. Arrangements are under the direction of Steed Todd Funeral Home 800 E. Manana Blvd Clovis, New Mexico 88101 575 7635541 www.steedtodd.com

Service

Farwell High School Auditorium
801 Ave. G
Farwell, TX  79325
Saturday, February 12, 2011
2:00 p.m. CST

Cemetery

Sunset Terrace Memorial Cemetery
Hwy. 60
Farwell, TX  79325

Memorial Contributions

c/o Parmer County Sherriff's Dept.
Farwell, TX  79325