Charlene Franks

Charlene Bowen Franks went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 4, 2022. She was a faithful believer in her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, and devoted her life to her faith, family and friends. Charlene was born to the home of Volney and Ora (Hatfield) Bowen on June 14, 1931, in Fort Sumner, NM. At the age of thirteen, her dad, who was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad, was offered a better position in Yeso so the family packed up and moved to a town of about 200 pop. to a house with no electricity, running water or indoor plumbing. Some of her fondest memories were of riding the school bus to and from school in Fort Sumner. The students played cards, sang songs discussed movies, caught up on the latest gossip and formed many lifelong friendships. She met the love of her life, Bill Franks, in 1946 and they were married May 18, 1948. They had two children, Cynthia Elaine and William Bruce (Carol), who survive Charlene along with four grandchildren, William David Lewis, Shannon Lee, Allison (Luke) Tanner and Jill Franks and five great grandchildren, Cameron, Gavin & Collette Lee and Eli & Brett Tanner. She is also survived by one sister, Eunice George, two sisters-in-law, Bobbie (Donald) Franks & Adie (Tyson) Achen and many nieces and nephews She was predeceased by Bill, her loving husband of fifty-five years, parents, Volney & Ora Bowen and one brother, Bill Bowen. Charlene spent her life supporting her children’s activities by being in PTA, Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, Boy Scouts, many sports and other interests they had. She also loved the many statewide and overseas trips that she and Bill were able to take after the children left home. She was a very active member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Sumner for about 74 years. She loved her church and church family, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for years, was on many committees, Food Bank, Bereavement, Pastor Search, and served as the Church Clerk for over 25 years. She also loved her hometown of Fort Sumner and considered it the best place in the world to live and raise a family. The family wishes to thank all of her friends and family who have been so supportive these past two years and would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Joe & Sharon Bunce, Hospice of Lubbock and LaFonda and Anosha who cared for her as if she were family. The family requests memorial contributions in memory of Charlene Franks to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, NM 88119 or Hospice of Lubbock, 3702 21st St., Lubbock, TX 79410. The family will receive friends from 1pm-2pm on Saturday, December 17th at First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner, NM. A memorial will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, December 17th at First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner with Dr. Joe Bunce officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Honorary bearers will be members of the Auqilla and Priscilla Sunday School Class, Winona McMillan, Shelly and Drew Best, Binto Stallard, and Sharon Bunce. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.