Michael Franks

Roxana:

Michael R. Franks, 57, passed away at 8:48pm on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 27, 1968, in Jacksonville, Arkansas, the son of Robert and Eileen (Schwach) Franks. Survivors include his father: Robert of Bethalto, his mother: Eileen, his step – mom: Tracy Franks of Rosewood Heights, a daughter: Autumn Franks of Collinsville, a brother and sister in law: Nathan and Whitney Franks of Apex, North Carolina, two nieces, one nephew, and many other extended family and friends.

Michael volunteered his services in the United States Airforce from 1992 - 1999 as an Aircraft Structural Maintenance Journeyman. His favorite place he traveled to in the Airforce was Turkey. He was employed as a laborer through the Laborer’s Local 338. He was currently working at the Wood River Phillips 66 Refinery. He was the owner of Parrot’s Sports Bar and Grill in St. Peters, MO. in the early 2000’s.

Music was something Michael loved dearly. He collected vinyls and saw lots of live concerts. He was also good with his hands. Building, working on cars, and cooking was in his daily rotation. Michael was working on a blue 1967 Chevy II Nova and a black 1970 Chevelle Convertible. He loved to watch The Walking Dead and Prison Break with his daughter, Autumn. He had two cats, George and Mama. George is with his daughter, Autumn. Mama is taken care of by his neighbors. Previously, Michael had owned a pitbull named Rainn. Michael liked fitness and eating healthy, but he also loved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. He often went bike riding and worked out in his homemade gym.

Wearing old shirts with the sleeves cut off and a pair of shorts was Michael’s casual attire. He was always seen with a water jug nearby and sunglasses. His laugh and humor was contagious. Anytime anyone needed anything, he’d spend hours researching it. He was a DIY kind of guy. Michael bought his house in Roxana in 2011 and remodeled it with his own vision. He collected road/traffic signs, various bar decor, and overall lots of cool pieces since his childhood. He rebuilt his everyday cars, a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix and a 1998 Chevy Silverado. Having a bonfire and grilling was something he did often with his daughter and friends. Michael was a strong and independent man. He was smart and didn’t let anyone take him down.

Michael was an organ donor and had both of his kidneys donated.

Memorial visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Private burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.