Waldene Franklin Franks

Waldene Franklin Franks, 93, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2014 in Waco, Texas. Graveside Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Gatesville City Cemetery with Jerry Derrick officiating. Waldene was born August 22, 1921 to Bennie J. and Lola Franklin of Turnersville, Texas. She was married to Clayton Franks of Gatesville, who preceded her in death. She owned Waldene’s Beauty Shop in Gatesville, Texas where she was a beauty operator until she retired in 1986. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a long time member of Liberty Baptist Church of Turnersville, Texas. Waldene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her aunt, Ola Hightower Franklin; sister, Freeda Franklin Greer; brother, Ray Franklin; daughter, Shirley Jones; and sons-in-law, Daiel Markel and Kenneth McDonald. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, two daughters, Judy Markel Dreyer and husband, Kermit of Gatesville, Texas and Sandra McDonald Bond and husband, Sidney Bond of Shamrock, Texas. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Kimberly Wickman, Ray Jones, Michelle Jones, Amy Dennis, Kevin Markel and wife, Ale’, Kyle Markel, Kristen Markel Fouts and husband, Jim, and Meredith McDonald Meyer and husband, Brent; 12 great-grandchildren; and extended family. Pallbearers will be Clint Jones, Ray Jones, Kevin and Kyle Markel, Jim Fouts, and Blake Meyer. The family wishes to acknowledge and extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Wesley Woods Healthcare Center of Waco and Providence Hospice Care for their loving and outstanding care to our dear loved one, Waldene Franks. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.