NEWELL A. FRANKS, 98, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away peacefully Tuesday Oct. 30, 2007, at his home. He was a longtime industrial leader and benefactor to the city of Sturgis. Born June 8, 1909 at the family's country home, in Brimfield, Ind. he was a son of the late Peter Willis and Agnes Ida (Tubolski) Franks. A resident of Sturgis since 1935 coming from Brimfield, Ind., he graduated from Rome City High School, Rome City, with the class of 1927. On Dec. 15, 1928, he married Grace A. Disler, in Wawaka; she died on Oct. 9, 2002. Surviving are two sons, Richard N. Franks of Sun City, Ariz. and Lawrence A. (Susan) Franks of Sturgis; one daughter-in-law, Joyce Franks of Sturgis; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grand-children; seven great-great-grand children; brother-in-law, Kenneth Eugene Disler of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law, Edna Belle (Dale) Augenstine of Fort Wayne; special niece, Virginia (Lewis) Franks Rawles of Wolcottville; and special nephew, Jack (Terryl) Franks of Auburn. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Tom Franks; two grandchildren, Emily Lorie Franks and Richard N. "Ric" Franks; one great-grandson, Christopher Franks; two daughters-in-law, Patricia Franks and Jean Franks; and one brother, William Franks. A special service for current and former employees of Oak Companies is 10:03 a.m. Saturday at Burr Oak Tool, Inc. Celebration of Life service is 11:07 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Sturgis. The Rev. Keith Treman and the Rev. Robert Keim officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hackman-Foglesong Funeral Home, Sturgis. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Sturgis. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First United Methodist Church, 200 Pleasant Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091, Newell A. & Grace A. Franks Fund, Sturges Young Auditorium Fund, Sturgis Hospital Endowment Fund or Kiwanis Club of Sturgis, all in c/o Sturgis Foundation, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or a charity of donor's choice.