Vic Franks

(From Amos Family Funeral Home)

December 3, 1938 - April 18, 2025

With heavy hearts, we share that Vincent "Vic" Franks passed peacefully after a short illness.

Vic was born on December 3, 1938, in Neosho, Missouri, to Eugene Franks and Ruby Faye (Rose) Franks. The eldest of four children, he took on responsibilities early in life, helping his family however he could. At the age of 14, he started his first job at his father's gas station on the north side of Neosho. He also brought home fresh-caught fish for dinner, drove to Arkansas with his father to buy green beans to sell locally, and shined shoes in his grandfather's barbershop — always finding ways to contribute.

He graduated from Neosho High School in 1956 and later pursued continuing vocational education, taking numerous college courses in electrical engineering. He worked as a commercial electrician for Renick Electric and Franks Electric.

In 1963, Vic and his wife Marie Elena moved to Van Nuys, California, where he began working for Rocketdyne, contributing to the Apollo Space Program. — a role he took great pride in. After four years in Southern California, the family returned to Missouri, where Vic began a long and dedicated 25-year career with Empire District Electric.

At Empire, he worked on substations across Joplin, Bolivar, Baxter Springs, and Neosho. He became known for his expertise and leadership, eventually becoming the foreman of the Neosho crew. He often shared stories of rubber-gloving high-voltage lines and being away from home for days on end during storms, working tirelessly to restore power. Later in his career, he transitioned into power distribution, where he managed the buying and selling of electricity among neighboring utilities. After his retirement, he was asked to consult and create a training manual for the dispatcher position.

Eighteen years ago, Vic suffered a stroke that changed the course of his life, robbing him of much of his mobility and ability to speak. Still, his presence remained strong. He lit up when he saw his loved ones and, even with great effort, found ways to express his thoughts — a testament to his resilience and enduring love for his family.







Vic was a man of faith, having been active at Northside Baptist Church in Neosho as a young man and a lifelong believer in Christ. He was married to one woman for 65 years, raised a family he cherished, and supported his immediate and extended family with steadfast devotion and quiet dignity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Ruby Faye Franks; his sister, Jeanalee Enlow; and his brother, Jon Alan Franks.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elena Franks; his son, Chris Franks (Leisa); his daughter, Stacy White (Cabot); and five grandchildren — David, Kathy, and Aaron Franks, as well as Keegan and Tierney White. He is also survived by his sister, MaryAnn Guppy, and many nieces and nephews who loved and admired him deeply.

He will be missed dearly, remembered always, and honored forever.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your local food bank in his name.