Richard Franzel
July 5, 1928 — February 1, 2017
Richard Franzel
Richard Ray Franzel, 88, of Ruidosa Downs, New Mexico passed away February 1, 2017. He was born July 5, 1928 to the late Raymond Eugene and Elma (Pietch) Franzel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Richard served in the US Navy and also worked as a private helicopter pilot. One of his great adventures was flying John Wayne to a fishing expedition in Alaska. John Wayne invited him to stay and fish with the team. Richard also flew crews of men to assist on the construction of the Alaskan pipeline. He also worked as a truck driver and driving instructor for J.B. Hunt. He was a member of Community United Methodist Church in Ruidosa Downs. Richard served as chaplain and other offices of the Elks Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Margaret Leona Franzel.
Survivors are two step-sons, Dexter Bates and wife Rita of Fort Smith, AR and Eric Bates of Colorado; sister-in-law, Mary Lee Hart of Hensley, AR; niece, Dianne Hart of Hensley, AR; and many more family members and friends who loved Richard and will miss him always.
Graveside service, officiated by Bro. Bryan Diffee held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 at Primrose Cemetery, 3006 Dixon Road, Little Rock, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home, a certified Veterans Funeral Care provider. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Richard served in the US Navy and also worked as a private helicopter pilot. One of his great adventures was flying John Wayne to a fishing expedition in Alaska. John Wayne invited him to stay and fish with the team. Richard also flew crews of men to assist on the construction of the Alaskan pipeline. He also worked as a truck driver and driving instructor for J.B. Hunt. He was a member of Community United Methodist Church in Ruidosa Downs. Richard served as chaplain and other offices of the Elks Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Margaret Leona Franzel.
Survivors are two step-sons, Dexter Bates and wife Rita of Fort Smith, AR and Eric Bates of Colorado; sister-in-law, Mary Lee Hart of Hensley, AR; niece, Dianne Hart of Hensley, AR; and many more family members and friends who loved Richard and will miss him always.
Graveside service, officiated by Bro. Bryan Diffee held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 at Primrose Cemetery, 3006 Dixon Road, Little Rock, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home, a certified Veterans Funeral Care provider. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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