Walter Bates Franke's Obituary
Walter Bates Franke, 74, of Bella Vista, formerly of Fayetteville, passed away February 28, 2022, in the company of family at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. Walter was born on June 17, 1947, in Fayetteville to Walter Max Franke and Cleffie Fay Franke (née Blanton). He married Patricia Kay Bivens on February 7, 1969.
Walter served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base and NATO Headquarters in Europe. While in Europe, Pat gave birth to their only child, Jennifer. Walter worked for the University of Arkansas Bookstore in the Accounting Department where he worked for 40 plus years. He was a former member of the Fayetteville Jaycees and enjoyed playing tuba in the “the Professors” ragtime band, consisting of professors and employees of the University. He also played with other ragtime groups.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his sister, Louise Powers of Springdale, daughter Jennifer (Cliff) Westphal of Bella Vista, one grandson, Nathaniel Westphal of Fayetteville, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 10:00 -11:00 am Saturday, March 5, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville followed by a graveside service at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.
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