Franklin Harley Cole, better known as Frank, was born in Sugartown, La., to Kirby Franklin and Georgie McKee-Cole on Jan. 16, 1948.

Shortly after graduation he enlisted into the U.S. Army, serving as a tank mechanic. During his enlistment, his duty station took him to Germany during the Vietnam War. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home to his beloved Louisiana.

To his wife and children, he was a constant source of laughter and comedy. If the corny jokes didn’t invoke laughter, his facial expressions to follow would. He loved to stay active playing basketball, fishing, or traveling the countryside in their RV. He was employed as a service technician and maintenance man and his favorite place of employment was the YMCA on Kirby Street in downtown Lake Charles.

In his later years, he enjoyed telling a good story to the grandkids on the porch or giving the Paw Frank explanation on whatever sporting event they needed coaching in. He also enjoyed watching sports, rap music, and teaching the grandkids the latest hip-hop dances.

He was welcomed into Heaven on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, by his parents, his brother, Gary Columbus Cole, and grandson Tre’ Murphy.

Those left to cherish his memory and famous dad jokes; his wife of 32 years, Marty Cole; his children, Heather (Matt) Dahl, Aimee (Kevin) Johnson, deVonne (Eddie Sr.) Barron; Karrie (Ritchie) LeBouef, Lisa (Mickey) Ross, Raymie Jones; grandchildren, Ana’-Alicia Watkins, Harleigh Dahl, Jonathan Dahl, Emmy Johnson, Evan Johnson, Elle Johnson, Eddie Barron Jr., Jenna Barron, Maggie LeBouef, Heidi LeLeaux, Trevor Murphy, Tanner Murphy, Casey Jones, and Ryan Jones; great grandchildren, Audrey Watkins, Jacques Watkins, Shane LeBouef, Ava LeLeaux, Lanie LeLeaux, Wyatt Jones, Kallie Murphy, Easton Murphy, Karoline Murphy, and Peyton Murphy; four sisters, Lorraine (Otis) Dupre, Claudette (Bob) Dungan, JoAllie Voiron, and Ginger (Robbie) English.

Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home. The family will host a celebration of his life at noon, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at his home.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.