Aurel Wayne Franke, age 88 passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 5th, 2024. Graveside services will be held at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery Abilene on Friday, February 9 at 11 am. Mr. Franke was born September 26, 1935 in Beaumont, Texas to Aurel and Bernice Franke. He graduated from Hardin Simmons University in 1958 in Abilene, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry upon graduation. He spent the next thirty years on active, and Army Reserve duty, including two tours in Vietnam, retiring in 1995 from the Reserve as a Colonel. He moved to Abilene in 1971, and owned a retail business, and was a real estate investor, and participated in the oil business. He retired in 1997, and was a 100% disabled veteran. Preceding him in death were his parents and son, Aurel Franke. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Franke, older sister, Gethrel Franke of Austin, TX, and a younger brother, Ronnie Franke of Buda, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.