Franklin Curtis Falks devoted his life to family, faith, teaching, coaching, and serving others. After attending Joplin Community College, he graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, where he studied biology.
Football became one of the major avenues through which Frank taught and influenced others. His collegiate coaching career spanned more than 25 years and included institutions across the country.
In 1973, Frank joined the University of Arkansas and became the university’s first Black football coach. His journey also included Kansas State, Wyoming, San Diego State, Oklahoma State, Southern California, Arizona State, and The Ohio State University.
Between 1989 and 2005, Frank coached in the National Football League and was part of coaching staffs that experienced playoff and Super Bowl competition. But statistics, teams, and games tell only part of his story.
Frank was remembered as a knowledgeable coach and an excellent teacher. His ability to teach the game allowed him to influence countless athletes and colleagues.
His life was grounded in faith. Frank was baptized into Christ in 2007. At Genessee Avenue Church of Christ, he and Carol served together as co-coordinators of the Golden Wisdom Senior Ministry for ten years.
Their legacy continues.
Frank’s legacy can be found in the people he taught, encouraged, challenged, and helped develop. Knowledge has its greatest impact when it is shared with others.
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