Douglas C. Franks, Jr.

GILFORD, NH - Douglas C. Franks, Jr., passed away on August 22, 2025, with family at his side.

Born on May 8, 1943, he was the son of Douglas C. Franks Sr., and Ruth A. Holt Franks and grew up on Maple Hill in Plainfield, VT with his seven siblings. Doug graduated from Marsh–Plain High School in 1962 at which time he joined the United States Army. He served his time in the army in Germany, making rank of E5 Specialist from 1963-1966. Although he was offered Officer Candidate School, he returned home as Hardwood Mountain was calling his name. It was in Germany where he met his wife, Agavni (Ani) Danabasian. They were married on December 30, 1965, in Ani’s hometown of Istanbul, Turkey. They made their home in Plainfield, Vermont where they raised their three children.

Doug worked at State Equipment Co. in Montpelier for several years before opening his own home garage. His mechanical skills kept him busy working on anything from simple oil changes and cars to engine repair. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping while teaching his family to cherish the world around them. For many years, he guided the local Boy Scouts on their annual hiking and camping trip through the Vermont woods to Kettle Pond in Groton. Doug also enjoyed coaching Little League baseball.

He and his wife moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1988 where they worked and lived for 10 years. During this time, Doug adapted his skills to become a mechanical technician for a plastics company. Doug and Ani moved back to New England, settling in Gilford, NH. where they’ve lived for the last 27 years.

Doug also enjoyed music and whistled many of his favorite songs daily. He was a skilled musician on the banjo, guitar, baritone, trumpet, saxophone, and clarinet. He was a member of the Hobo Band, which was founded by his father. The band played in Plainfield’s 4th of July Parades as well as many other parades around New England. Doug, joined by his sister Cindy, carried on the Hobo Band tradition for many years assuming the role of “Leaders of the Band” after their father’s passing. Many may recall the band practices held at Stonewall Church in Plainfield Village.

His grandchildren called him Papa, but Doug was fondly referred to as Junior by many, Uncle Dune Dune by many of his nieces and nephews and “Frank” by his loving wife. He was a man of great integrity, a deep thinker who was filled with love and always ready to lend a hand when someone needed his help. He took great pride in teaching his grandchildren how to fish, hunt, and enjoy the great outdoors. He ended his working career by helping his son, Jack, build a very successful restaurant and sports bar in Lebanon, NH where he worked until August 2007 when he retired.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years Agavni Danabasian Franks of Gilford, NH; his son Jack Franks, wife Lisa and grandchildren Ruslan, Anya and Avery of Walpole, NH; his daughter Julie MacDonnell, husband Peter and grandchildren Ian and Cameron of Reading, MA; and daughter Melanie Franks of Gilford, NH and grandchildren Jessica, husband, Kevin of Rochester, NH and Jacob of Round Rock, TX.  He is also survived by loving sisters Lucinda Franks, Linda Lamberton and husband, Brian, and Edith Dunkling and husband, Gary, brother-in-law, Larry Blakely, Sr., sisters-in-law Lois Franks and Linda Franks as well as cousins and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Ruby Franks Smith and husband, Marcel, his brothers Norman P. Franks, William F. Franks, Sr., Robert A. Franks, Sr. and wife, Sylvia and his brother-in-law David Hedding. Sadly, he was predeceased by two nephews Justin Franks and Lawrence Blakely.

The service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Barre Free Evangelical Church, 17 South Main Street, Barre.  Following the service, interment will take place in the Plain-mont Cemetery in East Montpelier. There are no calling hours.

Please consider making a memorial donation to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX  75284, or planting a maple tree in Doug’s honor.