Kenneth Ray Franks

Kenneth Franks, Sr., age 90, formerly of Ashland, KY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at his home in Monterey, KY. He was born November 16, 1930.

He was the graduate of Owen County Public Schools and the University of Kentucky, where he was a member of the Troopers gymnastic team, and earned a degree in agriculture.

He was preceded in death by his wife Violet Staton  Franks whom he married the 23rd day of January in 1961 in Clintwood, VA, just after witnessing the inauguration of President Kennedy in Washington, D.C.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Buford and Willoughby Yancey Franks, and an older brother (Lawrence and wife Peggy Rudolph Franks), also of Monterey.

Kenneth was very active in rural development and one of his proudest accomplishments was helping to create the FIVCO Area Development District serving Boyd, Lawrence, Greenup, Elliot and Carter Counties, where he continued to serve as emeritus board member until his death.

His interest in agriculture was sparked from a childhood on the family farm.  His early career led him to become the Agriculture Extension Agent in Boyd County, where he lived and worked for 37 years, retiring in 1992, and had accomplishments too numerous to list here.

In addition to his extension career, he also became host of the Saturday Morning Farm Report on WSAZ TV. He also ventured in real estate for many years with Brooks Wells in Ashland.

After his retirement he continued to be active in the Boyd County area until he and his wife moved back to his home place in Monterey in 2010. He was an avid fisherman and quail, pheasant and grouse hunter. He loved annual trips to El Dorado, KS bird hunting and his summers at Middle Bass Island, OH. He and Violet were also true Kentucky Wildcat fans. Since 1956, if the Cats were playing  he'd either be in a seat at the stadium or watching at home.

Kenneth leaves behind a son Ken, Jr. (Carol) and their son Kenny III, a daughter Kenda Franks (Eddie) Bottoms and their daughter Kyser Rene', a step grandson, Auston (Michelle) Trent, a step great granddaughter Autumn Trent, and a host of family and friends. Our gratitude goes to Jessica Bishop, his private nurse and John Smith, a close friend who were by his side every spare moment.

A small graveside service is planned with honorary pall bearers Kenneth Franks III, Austin Trent, Michael Bowling, Chuck Meade, John Smith, James David Salisbury, James Warren Crouch and Ron McLoud.

McDonald and New are in charge of arrangements. A graveside will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 2:30 at the Monterey Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Monterey Cemetery.