Donald Milo Franke

DON FRANKE SR.

 May 21, 1941 - Nov.28, 2021

HAMILTON - Don Franke, 80, of Hamilton went home to be with his Heavenly Father  on November 28th, 2021.

Donald Milo Franke Sr. was born on May 21, 1941 in Salem, Oregon.  The family moved to the John Day Valley when he was a boy and he lived and worked on the family ranch in Dayville, Oregon until he graduated from Dayville High School in 1959.

Don was presented with an opportunity to play basketball at the University of Oregon after graduation but chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force.  Don was assigned to Mildenhall Air Force base in England where he met the love of his life, Nesta Searjeant.  They were married in the church Nesta's parents pastored in Lakenheath on July 7, 1962.

Upon being honorably discharged in 1965 from the service, Don and Nesta moved back to the States.  Don worked for many years as a rancher, logger, building contractor, and was always actively involved in his church as a pastor, music leader, or teacher.  Don became a fulltime pastor in the Sutherlin, Oregon area in the early 80's until his retirement in 2003.

After retiring, Don and Nesta spent the next few years traveling in their motor coach seeing family and catching up with old friends.  Don's true passion was family and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ; he loved talking about the word of God.

He was always up for a get together to see his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had the privilege of marrying many of his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by parents Milo and Evelyn Franke; son, Duane Franke; and sister, Loretta Overton.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nesta; son, Don Franke Jr. (Becky); daughter, Debbie Keimig (Mike); son, Dustin Franke; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Franke; brothers, Jim, David and Dan; sister, Dolly; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Daly-Leach Chapel.

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