Ronald Reed Franke

Ronald Franke ObituaryVisit the Harrell Funeral Home of Austin website to view the full obituary.Ronald Reed Franke, affectionately known as Kapaw, passed away on March 5, 2026, in Buda, TX, at the age of 87. He had been a resident of Buda for over six decades.Born on December 31,1938, in Beaumont, TX, Ron's life was defined by his devotion to family, his keen ingenuity, and a wide variety of interests that enriched the lives of those around him.A proud alumnus of Beaumont High School (Class of 1957) and Texas State University in San Marcos, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961. Ron possessed a sharp, pioneering mind. His professional career began at the IBM office in Austin, but his entrepreneurial spirit later led him to become a successful real estate broker, establishing his own business after earning his license.In his leisure time, Ron was a meticulous researcher of family genealogy and enjoyed the restoration of antique furniture, men's pocket watches, and antique clocks. For over thirty years, his analytical nature and attention to detail fueled his passion for numismatics, resulting in a respected collection of antique and rare coins. Ron was also a proud member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and other organizations dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of his home state.Ron's creative spirit shone through in the beautiful stained glass pieces he crafted by hand. He had a reputation among his family for being able to fix or refurbish any broken or worn item, much to their delight and admiration. A devoted fan of "Jeopardy," Ron followed the show daily, engaging with its intellectual challenges with the same enthusiasm he brought to all his interests, holding a special reverence for the original host, Alex Trebek.Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Billie Ferguson Franke; his son, Ronald Reed Franke, Jr.; his parents, A.W. Franke and Bernice Hawkins Franke; his brother, Wayne Franke; and his sister, Gethrel (Franke) Bradfield.He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, survived by his son Mark Franke and wife Jaimee Borger; his grandsons Stuart Franke and wife Laura Miletello, and Philip Franke; his granddaughter AnnaMarie Dodson; and his great-grandson Theodore Franke, the son of Stuart and Laura.Ronald Reed Franke's inquisitive mind, handy skills, and creative heart made him a treasured figure. As we honor Ron's memory, we celebrate a life marked by the pursuit of knowledge, the joy of craftsmanship, and the warmth of familial bonds. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory will be kept alive in the stories passed down through generations.Private services will be held at Harrell Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Shriners Children's Texas in his memory. https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/Ways-to-Give/DonateRead The Full ObituaryTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.