Another valued member of HSNM has passed on…
Leland Franks, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. Born on 5/11/1928 in Huntington, WV to Nora Beldner and Harold Franks, Leland grew up in WV and graduated from Logan High School. He moved to ABQ in 1953 from Lexington, KY after graduating from UK Law School. The Army called him to Albuquerque, and he stayed. He began his career as an accountant but soon changed to law. Self-employed for most of his career, he had many distinguished clients.
A past president of the Humanist Society of NM, he enjoyed going to their meetings. Up until about 6 months ago, he would go hiking every Sunday with a group of Humanist friends. Leland and his wife would take his children and grandchildren to CO on annual vacations for a number of years, and many great memories were made on those trips.
He was preceded in death by his mother Nora B. Franks.
Surviving are his loving wife Judy; daughter, Lela Tomlinson, of WA; son Adam (Sandra), of WA; daughter, Vivian (Calvin) Wisemann, of ABQ; and step-son Dan Engler of PA. Also survived by his five grandchildren: Amanda Franks, Jacob (Amanda) Franks, Aaron, Carlee, and Celina Wisemann; and his two great-grandsons and one due in November to Celina Wisemann and Daniel Duran; step-grandchildren Josh, Nic and Jacie Engler and four step-great-grandchildren. Also survived by his cousin, Michael (Susan) Rancer and half-sister Linda Beebe.
Friends will be received at the home, 615 Ridge Pl. NE, on Sunday, 10/18/15 from 1 – 4 pm.
Humanist Society of New Mexico 