David Forrest Franks

David Forrest Franks, age 86, of Lowell, Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior  on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

David was quite the athlete.  He excelled at whatever sport he played, receiving awards in track and field and a football scholarship to Grand Rapids Junior College.  He then went on to play football at Ferris State, but was drafted by the Army where he also played football.  David also claimed the title of runner up in Mr. Michigan bodybuilding three years in a row.  Dave’s big love was motorcycle racing and was well known in the racing circuit as being a fearless racer and hill climber.

In 1974, David accepted the Lord as his personal savior, his greatest passion became serving the Lord.

David was a craftsman by trade just like his father,  they worked together as self-employed craftsman serving many people in and around the west Michigan area.  Eventually David went to work for the Grand Rapids Public School system as a carpenter where he retired from Grand Rapids Public School.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Vivian Franks.  

He will be survived by his sister, Nancy Franks; and his nephew, Rick (Renee) Nelson.  His daughters, Kimberly Franks, Jamie (Stacy) Marsman, Jennifer (Brandon) Lowe, Elisa (Tim) Lamphere, Sheri (Brian) Snider, Michelle (Jim) Murphy; grandchildren, TJ (Kim), Danielle (Jamie), Reese and Brady (Jennifer), Chelsea, Ethan, Kady (Elisa), Rachel, Jonathan, Ben, Michael (Sheri), Sarah, Katie, Patrick (Michelle); and 17 great grandchildren.

A visitation and Memorial services will be held 1 pm Monday, October 7  at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont.  We would like to thank all of the caregivers at Fountain View Memory Care and West Michigan Hospice who cared for him so well.