Mathew K. Franks' Obituary
Matthew Kenneth Franks was the youngest of three children born in St. Louis,
Missouri to the union of Willie Luther Franks and Dorothy (Redmond) Franks. His
parents and two siblings, Marzetta and James William preceded him in death. He was
blessed to spend his final days in the comfort of his home and transitioned to reward
on January 13, 2022.
Pastor Franks was educated in the St. Louis Public School System and was a proud
graduate of Charles Sumner High School, class of 1947. Well into his 70’s, Matthew
was a fixture in the Annie Malone parade, where he would walk/march with the
Sumner band along the entire parade route, dressed from head to toe in the Sumner
colors of maroon and white. Matthew continued his education at Stowe Teacher’s
College majoring in education, attended Washington University and later graduated
from Tucker’s Business College.
Understanding that teaching is a ministry within itself and that he could use his gifts of
goodness, grace, and mercy to affect other’s lives, he dedicated 35 years as an
educator in the Wellston School District and Confluence Academy. Matthew’s duties
far exceeded what was within the job description. He would fondly use his talents in
other ways such as creating themes to decorate the entire school for the different
holidays, put on plays for the school, and was the one both students and staff alike
could depend on to greet them with a huge smile and offer encouraging words to
always brighten their day.
He was a proud brother of Kappa Alpha Psi, having been initiated into the Beta Mu
chapter in 1951.
As a teenager, he became involved in Catholicism and entered the religious order,
where he spent the next 16 years. Matthew was the first African American to be
excepted in this order in it’s 350 years.
Matthew had many gifts and talents. His poem, “A Man Named Martin”, is on display
at the Martin Luther King Memorial in Atlanta, Georgia. Never meeting a stranger, he
was most happy when he was out and about meeting new friends or spending time
with family and friends. He was blessed to be able to do all of this with his spiritual
son, Bruce, who made sure that Matthew followed his strict dietary guidelines (with a
few treats here and there) so that he could maintain his health and energy to continue
to go out and about, doing the things he loves.
What’s your fondest memory of Mathew?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mathew?
Share a story where Mathew's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mathew you’ll never forget.
How did Mathew make you smile?
