Samuel Martin Franks

Samuel Martin Franks, 80, of Independence, Missouri, passed away in a car accident on October 3, 2026.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048.

Samuel was born on May 31, 1946, in Oxford, Arkansas, to James Roe Franks and Elva Elizabeth Franks (Caruthers). He began grade school in Arkansas before his family moved to Kansas City in 1955. He continued his education in Raytown, MO and graduated from Raytown High School in 1965.

In 1967, Samuel entered the United States Army and served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade as 11B- Infantry. While serving in the Republic of Vietnam near Da Nang in 1968, he was wounded. He was evacuated from Da Nang to Japan and then to Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Colorado, where he spent several months recovering and undergoing multiple surgeries. Following his release from the Army, Samuel returned to Kansas City.

He began working at Vendo in the early 1970s before joining the General Services Administration (GSA), where he spent most of his career working in climate control. In 1976, he welcomed his twin sons, Christopher and Kurtis. Samuel retired from GSA in the late 1990s and later worked for Unilever until his final retirement in 2010.

In retirement, Samuel enjoyed fishing, playing pool, and riding his bicycle. One of his more recent purchases was an electric trike, which brought him joy as he continued to enjoy time outdoors. He also loved traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. Weekend meals shared with them were among the moments he treasured.

Samuel will be remembered by his family and friends for the life he lived, his service to his country, and the memories he created with those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Roe Franks; his mother, Elva Elizabeth Franks (Caruthers); and his nephew, Matthew Scott Maxon.

Survivors include his sons, Christopher Anthony Franks and Kurtis Brett Franks; his sister, Gail Maxon; his grandchildren, Gabe, Talla, Daniel, Zoe, and William Franks; and numerous cousins and friends who will cherish his memory.