Peter Paul Franco

A service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM in the chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US Highway 277 S., Abilene, Texas 79606. Interment will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, also at the funeral home from 5-7:00 PM with a Rosary and Time of sharing to begin at 7:00 PM.

Peter was born on June 30, 1934 in Indiana Harbor, Indiana to the late Canuto Franco and Rafaela (Gomez) Franco. He grew up on the farm in a loving home with his siblings. He joined the United States Army in 1957 and served his country faithfully he was called back from 1961-1962. He married the love of his life Mary Longoria on October 24, 1959, in Dyer, Indiana. Peter began working initially with Youngstown Steel in East Chicago, Indiana, which eventually became LTV where he retired after 41 years. Peter was a hard worker, doing everything he could to provide for his family, which often led him to working overtime and numerous side jobs.

Peter had a servant’s heart. It was not unusual for him to go above and beyond to provide for the needs of others. He gave back through his memberships to several organizations over the years such as Moose Lodge, American Legion Post 57 and The Foresters Friendly Society Lodge. He was devoted to his faith and initially was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dyer, IN and St. Francis Catholic Church in Abilene. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus, Guadalupana and Cursillista. In 1992, he retired to Abilene with his wife to care for her parents and became an integral part of the community. His legacy of help, unique sense of humor and steadfastness will live on forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father in-law, Guadalupe and Petra Longoria; siblings, Margaret Munoz, Frank Zaragosa, Frances Gutierrez; and his daughter-in-law, Patricia Franco. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Franco; his children, Phillip John Franco, Sr. of Dyer, Indiana, Patricia Ann Wayne (Dennis) of Dyer, Indiana and Paul Anthony Franco (Tanya) of Crown Point, Indiana; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his siblings, Rose Mary Monsivais (Ralph) Downers Grove, Illinois and Emil Franco of Medaryville, Indiana; numerous nieces, nephews and other devoted relatives and friends.