Phillip Edward Franz was born March 5, 1940 to Oswald Arthur Franz, Jr. and Elizabeth Hamlin Franz in St. Louis, Missouri, and passed away June 12, 2023 in West Plains, Missouri. He married the love of his life, Nancy Lou Trickey, July 21, 1962.
Phillip grew up in Thayer where he became an Eagle Scout and star basketball player. He went on to play basketball for Quachita Baptist University. After college and getting married they settled back in Thayer, Missouri on the farm. He was probably happiest outside working with his turkeys and cows. 1976 was a turning point for Phillip and Nancy. Circumstances took them to the small community of Bay, Missouri. There he started his career in Poultry Trading. 1981 Phillip started his own company, Franz Foods, bringing him to West Plains, Missouri, where he lived out the rest of his life.
Phillip was a deacon at First Baptist Church and loved being a part of that family. From the post office to the grocery store he shared the gospel to anyone who would listen. He wanted everyone to feel the love of Christ the way he did. He was a true warrior for Jesus.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oswald and Elizabeth Franz and one grandson Peter Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, son Ward and wife Kristi, Sioux City, Iowa; daughter Rebekah Mitchell and husband Rodney, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Quinton Mitchell wife Lauren and sons, Auggie and Xander, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Christopher Mitchell wife Audrey, soon to be born William Peter, Nixa, Missouri and Elizabeth Mitchell, West Plains, Missouri ; Landon Franz, Ozark, Missouri, and Lauren Willis husband Chase, West Plains, Missouri; two brothers, Joe and Bonnie Franz, Arkaldelphia, Arkansas; Bill and Donna Franz, Thayer, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Phillip will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri. There will be visitation time from 1:00 p.m. until time of service.
Burial will be at Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
June 14, 2023 @ 12:11 pm
I loved Phillip! He was one of God’s disciples that helped me in my walk with Jesus, and I will never forget him. My prayers go out to all of his family that God’s peace will reign in all of our hearts, knowing that Phillip is finally at home where he belongs, and where we all will be one day.
Blessings and love,
Luke McBee
Charleston, SC
June 14, 2023 @ 4:09 pm
Prayers for u and your family.
June 15, 2023 @ 10:47 am
Our condolences to Nancy and the family. Phillip was a true example of a Christian and all who knew him were aware of his energetic sharing of his faith.
June 15, 2023 @ 11:36 am
Nancy, Ward/Kristie, Landon, Lauren/Chase,
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of you on the passing of Phillip. He was a wonderful individual and was always a joy to be around with his wonderful personality and smile. He will be missed. At this time we will be keeping all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God give each of you comfort, peace, strength, and encouragement. May God Bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris and Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
June 15, 2023 @ 4:15 pm
Nancy, Ward, Bec, Bill, Donna, Joe and Family.
We are saddened by the loss, but really it’s gain for Phillip. We we see him again some day in God’s timing. Bless you guys. I hold a special place in my heart for Phillip as he lead our youth group at Thayer First Baptist. What strong faith in God. He’s the Christian example we should all follow.
Prayers going forward.
Bob, Bec and family.
June 15, 2023 @ 9:20 pm
So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. A lot of people loved him including us. On the board at SBU, whether it was cracking jokes, trading chocolate covered almonds and cashews, or serious business, Phil was a favorite of all and helped make meetings fun to attend. A person to be followed. Always had sound wisdom we could all understand, and we followed—most of the time. On the board for a very long time and for good reason. Always helpful and supportive. Can’t wait to see him again! We are praying for his family.
Sincerely,
Mark and Mina Rains
June 16, 2023 @ 9:24 pm
I can say Joe and I are better people from having our lives touched by Phillip. He was a joy to speak with. He shared his love of God with us. His smile and kind heart will live in our hearts. Can you just imagine him arriving in Heaven? Let that image soothe your hearts. Til we meet again Phillip.
June 16, 2023 @ 2:57 pm
I first met Phil on the back row during my first choir practice at First Baptist-West Plains. I loved him from that moment on! We had a lot of laughs and just good healthy conversations over the years. He made me feel at home as we were fairly new to the church at the time. Over the years I saw just how gifted he was at making newcomers feel welcome. Not only that, he was always loving on his church family. Most importantly, he was never afraid to share the Gospel with people he interacted with in his daily life. Phil was a friend and a Brother in Christ. I’m gonna miss him! I pray for his amazing family during this difficult time.
June 16, 2023 @ 6:04 pm
Our deepest condolences to the Phil Franz family. He was always so generous, kind and friendly. We are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
June 16, 2023 @ 8:00 pm
Nancy, Ward, Becky and all of the family,
I loved Phil like a father. I looked forward to the meetings at SBU for 20 years because of Phil. He was funny, kind, loving, and had such a heart for service. I will be forever grateful to him for his wisdom, his kindness, his service and his great Christian faith and leadership. Ward, Nancy and all, I am so so sorry for your loss. We know he is in heaven but his passing still leaves such a hole in the fabric of all of the lives he touched. Praying for you all. With much love, Becky (Brown) Randles.
June 17, 2023 @ 9:43 am
Phil was one of the finest individuals to ever serve on the Board at SBU. His many friends will miss his wisdom, great sense of humor, and authentic walk with Christ. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and the family. We mourn with you but rejoice that Phil is with his Lord and Savior!
Blessings,
Bob & Patty Ingold
Isaiah 26:3
June 18, 2023 @ 2:21 pm
Phillip Franz was one of the finest men I have ever known. My wife Cora and I met him and Nancy in 1969, when we moved to Thayer. We haven’t had a lot of contact with them in recent years but have always considered them to be close friends, whom we admired and enjoyed greatly. We were shocked and saddened to learn of Phillip’s passing. Nancy, Ward, and Beka, please know there are many who admired Phillip greatly, and will miss him very much. May God be with you as you deal with this loss.
June 21, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Phil was a great man; he never met a stranger. I loved growing up in church with him. He always had a smile on his face. I am so very sorry for your loss.
June 28, 2023 @ 8:08 pm
Nancy and family, sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort.