I was born in Pineland Texas in 1950, the son of Thomas Kenneth "K.T." Franks and Iva Jean Powell Franks. I attended Fellowship Elementary, Joaquin I.S.D. My father was then Superintendent of Schools in Joaquin. In 1961, we moved back to Pineland when my father accepted the job as the first Superintendent of what was to be West Sabine I.S.D. West Sabine included Pineland, Bronson, and Rosevine Schools.

I graduated from West Sabine in 1968, and attended Angelina Jr. College in1968, as a member of the first class. In the Fall of 1969 I transferred to The University of Texas at Austin where I finished my undergraduate studies, graduating in 1973.

After three years of teaching in public schools I accepted a graduate assistantship at Stephen F. Austin State University where I received a Masters Degree in Education in 1978. I since have continued my education, receiving additional certifications and endorsements.

In 1982 I married Michelle Verdine of Center, Texas. We had two daughters: Mallory Grace Franks and Jordan Lyn Franks. Michelle and I divorced in 1998 after 16 years of marriage and the loss of our daughter Mallory to cancer. She is buried in the Newbern Cemetery in Shelby County. Our daughter Jordan is a college student and lives in Austin.

I have experience teaching college classes, adult education, high school, junior high, and elementary classes in 5A, 3A, 2A, and class A schools. The last 9 years I have been employed by the Broaddus Independent School District, Broaddus, Texas in San Augustine County.

I live near Pineland, Texas where I operate the family ranch, composed of a commercial cattle herd, and a car wash also owned by my family.