Gerald Franks Gerald Franks WALNUT -- Gerald R. "Skeet" Franks, 80, of 29169 Deer Road, Deer Grove died April 17, 1999, in his home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Garland Funeral Home, Walnut. The Rev. Harold Williamson, pastor of the Community Church of Christ, Rock Falls, will officiate. Burial will be in Walnut Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Walnut American Legion Post No. 179. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Mr. Franks was born Nov. 11, 1918, in Hooppole to Leonard and Mildred (Burton) Franks. He married Irene Sandretto on April 26, 1947, in the Rock Falls Christian Church. He farmed the Deer Grove area during his lifetime and was a meat and poultry inspector for the state of Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and flew in 46 missions in the European Theater. Survivors are his wife, Irene of Deer Grove; a son, Gerald (Betty) Franks of Sterling; two daughters, Diana Franks of Deer Grove and Susan (Neal) Warren of Rock Falls; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a great-grandson and a brother. Memorials may be directed to the fund established in his memory.