Donald Edward Franke

It is with profound love and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald E. Franke, beloved husband and father on Sunday, March 23rd in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Donald, 87, was born on May 6th, 1937 in Shelbyville, Texas to Alfred E. Franke and Ruth Bounds Franke. Raised on his family’s livestock farm in Shelbyville, he attended Shelbyville High School, where his early experiences ignited a lifelong passion for agriculture and beef cattle genetics.

After graduating high school, Donald pursued higher education at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas. He then served three years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Boston. Following his military service, he taught vocational agriculture for three years in Little Cypress Mauriceville, near Orange, Texas, where he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Kent Franke. Donald continued his academic journey, earning a Master of Science in Agriculture from Louisiana State University (LSU), and a PhD in Breeding and Genetics from Texas A & M University.

Donald’s distinguished career in academia began in 1974 as an associate professor at the University of Florida. He joined Louisiana State University in 1976 earning a promotion to full professor in 1978. Over his tenure, he directed 32 master’s students, 16 doctoral students and authored/co-authored numerous articles and abstracts. He retired from LSU in 2008 after receiving the 2001 McFatter Endowed Professorship and being named Professor Emeritus in the College of Animal Science at LSU.

A devoted family man, Donald cherished sharing his love of fishing and hunting with his sons, grandchildren and close friends. An ardent LSU sports enthusiast, he spent countless memorable years attending football, basketball, and baseball games with his family and friends.

Donald is survived by his wife Barbara Kent Franke; his children, Elizabeth Bonnecaze (Remi), James Franke (Ann Marie) and Kent Franke; his grandchildren, Alex Bonnecaze, Katherine Bonnecaze Robinson (Andrew), Bryan Bonnecaze, Anna Kate Franke, Christopher Franke and Payton Franke; his sister, Doretta Watson; sisters in-law, Susanne Staudt and Patricia Kent; his nieces and nephews, Amanda Franke Eaves(David), Cindy Franke Hauver(Dowd) Matt Watson(Chris) and Mark Watson, Matt Staudt(Karen), Mark Staudt and Stephanie Staudt. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; Alfred and Ruth Franke, brother, James F. Franke, parents-in-law; Earl H. Kent and Marie Kent, siblings in-law; Elaine Franke, Michael Kent, Max Staudt and Charles Watson.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the Doctors and Nurses at the Baton Rouge General, Amedisys Home Health, St. Joseph Hospice and Carpenter House for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank Vivian Smith for her care and support during Donald’s last year.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Donald’s life will be held at St Jude the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge, on Tuesday April 8th, 2025 beginning at 11:00 am. A recitation of the Divine Mercy will begin at 9:30am prior to the Mass, with visitation from 9:45 to 10:55. A private burial will follow at Cypress Grove Cemetery in New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Donald’s name to the LSU College of Agriculture in support of the Animal Sciences Development Fund. Donations can be made online at www.lsufoundation.org by clicking the “Give Now” button at the top and searching for “Animal Sciences Development Fund” .