Thomas R. "Tom" Franks

Thomas R. “Tom” Franks, 84 of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in his home. Tom was born on December 27, 1941 in Cypress, Tennessee to Thomas Earl and Alfa (Barkley) Franks.  He retired from the Iron Workers 292 where he was employed as a Welder.  On December 28, 1958 in Florence, Alabama he married Mary Lee Vaughn, who survives.  Tom is also survived by his daughter, Cathi Walbert of New Carlisle, Indiana; two granddaughters, Tori (Travis) Baird of Granger, Indiana and Jamie (Derik Williamson) Walbert of New Carlisle, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Kaylie (Ryan) Potendyk, Paige (Andrew Wilson) Traxler, Skyler Perry, Addisyn Baird, Brennen Williamson, Isabella Perry, Bentley Baird, and Hudson Baird; four great-grandchildren, Laynie and Tilly, Presley, and Ka-mari; his sister, Barbara Oakley of Colverdale, Alabama; his niece, Vikki (Jim) Howard of LaPorte, Indiana; his sisters-in-laws, Bobbie Goins and Doris Johnston, and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Cody Walbert; his son-in-law, Jim Walbert; his brother Fred Franks and his sister-in-law Glenda Cox. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana. Burial will follow in New Carlisle Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026 in the funeral home. Tom was a lifelong member of the Iron Workers 292.  He enjoyed NASCAR and loved his family.

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