Edward Ernest Franz

Edward Ernest Franz, 81, of Schertz, Texas, heard God calling him and passed away quietly Monday, May 20th, at his home surrounded by his wife, son, sister, and his caring hospice nurse. Ed was born August 8, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Ernest William and Mathilde Elizabeth Govert Franz.

Growing up on an Indiana farm along with 14 siblings brought many trials and lots of stories the family would love to share I’m sure. Ed quit school to work and help the family, however his high school principal made him obtain his Diploma and encouraged him to attend college. He was his mentor, and we believe Ed was inspired to make a difference in the lives of others just as his principal had done for him. He went on to graduate from Indiana State University. Ed was appointed Director of the Association of Special Needs Children over a 6 county area and basically began the first Special Education School. Until this time, many mentally challenged children were kept hidden and not allowed to attend school.

He became ill with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and his doctor encouraged him to get his affairs in order and move to a warmer climate. Ed moved to Texas and settled in San Antonio where his sister, Donna and brother-in-law , Steve lived. He believed God told him he was not finished with him and Ed took that calling to heart. He secured a teaching job in Judson ISD. Along with teaching, he and a friend began tutoring boys at Boysville who attended Live Oak Elementary. This became his family and his calling in life.

He was involved in education for 45 years and continued his education, gaining his master’s degree. He taught math and special education and was both a principal and assistant principal. He opened Candlewood Elementary as a technology campus with Dedication November 9th, 1989. It was the first technology enriched school in the area having a lab for each grade level. He was also the 1st Technology Director for the district, and I believe in Texas. On October 25, 1997, the community of Live Oak renamed Live Oak Elementary to Ed Franz Elementary, much to his embarrassment.

Ed loved fishing and spent time at the coast in a trailer he had at Indianola. He would get a group together and spend the weekends fishing. Along with spending time teaching and mentoring, he and his friend Stan Bond, would spend time at Boysville. One Christmas, boys being boys, they went outside and fired shots into the air and began telling the boys that Stan had shot Rudolph walking on the roof! (Come share more with us. See below)

Ed met a blonde in the computer lab at Crestview Elementary, but never approached since she was a teacher, and he was a technology director. Later, his buddy, Stan, and he were at the gym and this lady was on a treadmill across the room. Stan rather loudly told Ed to go ask her out. Ed replied that he thought she was married. When Stan said no, he walked over. Yes, it was Janie, and yes she heard them! He did ask her out and they did marry in Las Vegas July 10th, 2000 holding their reception later at Boysville!

After retiring from Judson and marrying Janie, he returned to teaching in Schertz-Cibolo Universal City ISD where he taught Special Ed Math to high school students at Clemens. He impacted many lives and truly felt he was called to teach.

Ed is survived by his wife of almost 24 years, Janie Franz, his son, Eric Holt, and siblings Donna Barclay (Steve), Calvin Franz (Lyn), James Franz (Dalia), Sharon Lowry (Mark deceased), Wayne Franz, Hope Mendez (Cipriano), and many nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles. Also, his two cats (whom he didn’t claim) miss him daily.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest William and Mathilde Elizabeth Govert Franz, siblings Lois Allen (George), Margaret Campbell (Ralph), Betty Ann Mattz (Philip), Ernest W Franz II (Patricia), Barbara Bush (Don), Lillian Mills (Arnold), Loretta Baker (Don), Sandra Coruccini (Adolph).

The Visitation will begin at 10:30AM on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at Schertz Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00AM.

Following the service we invite you to attend a Celebration of Life at Bracken Methodist Church where we will have finger foods and time to share your stories of Ed with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to his church, Bracken Methodist Church, or Boysville.