Dennis E. ‘Denny’ Franks

While passing was unexpected, Denny had been fighting an extended illness with dignity and courage. However, shortly after 10 p.m. that day, God decided to call Denny home, with a smile on his face and surrounded by the singing voices and love of his family.

Denny was born June 7, 1957, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Joe and Naomi Franks. Also preceding him in death was an infant sister, Diane.

At a very young age, music became a part of Denny’s life and at age seven, he was already working as a professional musician. At age 16, Denny was a staff pianist at the Wheeling Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia, and from that point on, music would lead him through the adventures and paths of his life.

In the 1970s, Denny, along with Elkins natives Susie Heckel and Beverly Heckel, signed as RCA recording artists, The Heckels. As a group, they would go on to tour and perform with many country greats, even gracing the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

Not long after, Denny married his first wife Susie Heckel and had four children, each born with musical gifts of their own. During this time in his life, their family toured the country in ministry, ministering in song and word, and touching countless lives.

In addition to his musical gifts, Denny was also a talented songwriter and producer, owning recording studios and doing one of the things he loved most, making music.

The family moved to Virginia for a while where Denny performed with Lou Dewitt & The Star City Band before relocating to the mid-west to begin work in variety shows, such as the Ozark Mountain Hoedown in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Later Denny settled down in Branson, Missouri, performing 20 years with one of the top rated shows in Branson, The Pierce Arrow Theater and during this time in his career, toured with Roy Clark amd Wayne Newton. It was in Branson that Denny met and married his wife, Ishah, having just recently celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary.

In 2007, Denny and Ishah left Branson and moved to Elkins where Denny would be a key player in pioneering tourism in Elkins with the American Mountain Theater. Being back in Elkins and being able to perform with his family every day was the highlight of Denny’s musical career.

From AMT, Denny kept the family performances going with the Franks Family Music Show and The Greatest Show on Rails. During that time, Denny also found a new love in working as a concierge on the trains with the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Most recently, he and two of his children managed the Elkins branch of Star Furniture.

Denny loved people and if you ever met him, you understand the pure joy and sincerity that radiated from him. Denny never met a stranger and loved to talk and get to know you and share his love of ministry thru word or music, and usually a funny story or two. You would find Denny with his biggest smiles when spending time with his family, front porch sitting or on a golf course.

Faithful to his church family, Denny traveled and played organ every Sunday for 15 years at Calvary Temple in Worthington, West Virginia, spreading the word of God alongside his dear friends, the Shuttlesworth family.

Denny is survived by his wife, Ishah Franks, and his devoted children, daughter, Jessica (Jeremy) Wanless, son, Joel Franks, daughter Rachel Franks, son, Jeremiah Franks and honorary daughter, Sarajane (Dustin) Shaffer, all of Elkins. Denny is also survived by his grandchildren that brought so much joy to his life, Willie Ward, Nevaeh Franks, Jacob Ward, Isaac Franks, Levi Wanless, Sydney Powell, Stephen Gabriel Franks Kerns and Ezra Shaffer. Denny also leaves behind his beloved canine companion, Rudy.

Denny was the youngest of three children and is survived by his sister, Dixie (Marcus) Vargas, of Akron, Ohio; and brother, Greg (Cheryl) Franks of Canal Fulton, Ohio; as well as nephews and a niece, Cliff (Danielle) Franks and Amanda (Dave) Corbin, Joey Vargas; and eight great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Denny’s name to an organization close to his heart, the Chestnut Mountain Ranch, 244 Ponderosa Ponds Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508.

The family would also like to sincerely thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Davis Medical Center of Elkins for the amazing care, compassion and honor that was shown to not only Denny, but also the entire family during his time spent there.

Denny’s most quoted bible verse was John 14:27 — “The peace I give, is not like the peace the world gives. So let not your heart be troubled, and neither be afraid.”

The family will receive friends Saturday, July 29, from noon to 3 p.m. at Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins, with final rites immediately following at 3 p.m. The Reverend Tim Shuttlesworth will officiate and interment will follow at Mountain State Memorial Gardens in Elkins.

A celebration of life will also be celebrated Sunday, Aug. 6, at 10 a.m. at Calvary Temple in Worthington, West Virginia.

Denny would never say good-bye so neither will we — instead we’ll quote Denny with “we’ll see you in a minute!”