Fran passed away, January 13, 2025, after a short, intense, battle against cancer. He was surrounded by family.
Fran was born May 14,1947, to Tex and Tina Hancock. The youngest of four children, he and his siblings Allen, Texann and Joanna were raised in Wilmington, Massachusetts. He was an athlete at Wilmington High School (class of ’66), lettering in both football and track. There, in biology class, he met the love of his life Marsha Cantrell.
After High School, Fran joined the Marines and bravely served during the Vietnam War in the DMZ. In recognition of his military service, Fran was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Presidential Unit Citation, and Rifle Marksman Badge. These accolades are a testament to his bravely, skill, and unwavering dedication to his country.
In 1969, Fran married Marsha, they settled down in Wilmington and began their 55 year adventure as husband and wife. Fran began his own construction company, laying concrete foundations.
In 1972 Fran became a father to Fayette, followed by Stephanie (1975) and Deborah (1979). Fran adored his daughters and did not hesitate to sacrifice for them to flourish, they grew up knowing they were loved, supported and protected.
In 1982 Fran began his career with the Wilmington Police Department and was a longtime member of the Tactical Police Force. He served his community with a calm, strong presence for almost 30 years.
Fran was on the executive council and was an active member of his church, Community Christian Fellowship, in Lowell, MA.
After retiring, Fran and Marsha moved to Nebraska to live close to their oldest daughter’s family. They made frequent road trips to Washington state to visit their 2 other daughters and their families, and back to Massachusetts to visit family & friends.
In 2017 Fran accomplished his dream of driving the Alcan highway to Alaska, with Marsha, in an epic 6 week road trip in his motorhome.
This past summer he and Marsha celebrated their 55th anniversary with his entire family on an Alaskan cruise and fun Washington vacation.
Fran is survived by his cherished wife Marsha, daughter and son-in-law Faye and Robert Oakes of Lincoln, NE; daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Gregory Sund of Kijabe, Kenya; daughter and son-in-law Deborah and Cecil Juanarena of Tacoma, WA; grandchildren Hunter, Chase, Logan and Zane Oakes, Ella, Piper and Biniyam Sund, Alma and Xavi Juanarena; sister Joanna Flashman of FL, brother-in-law Bernie Nally of MA, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Tex and Tina Hancock; brother and sister-in-law Allen and Ann Hancock; sister Texanne Nally
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 25th from 10-11am at the Van Dorn campus of Christ Place Church, 5555 Roose St. Lincoln, NE 68506
A celebration of life is also being planned for MA in July
In lieu of flowers the family invites donations to:
Yezelalem Minch to support widows and orphans in Ethiopia
yezelalemminch.org
Or
To The AME Fund to provide scholarships for African doctors to receive specialty training
theamefund.org