Charles Edward Franco

Charles Edward Franco was born on October 31, 1941. He passed away on March 31, 2020. He was born in Santa Barbara to Joseph and Genevieve Franco. He has one brother Bill (Linda), He was the 12th generation to be born and live in Santa Barbara. He was part Chumash and was proud of that He was part of the Coastal Tribe. He was in the very first class of Bishop High to graduate from that school. He loved working at the Hollister ranch where his grandparents lived and worked, where his love of tractors began. He joined the Army in July of 1966. He became part of the 86th Engr BN CO A. He was a heavy equipment operator. Often he used a bulldozer or construction. He served in Germany first and then he served in Viet Nam. After the Army, he used his equipment skills to work or Cal-Trans, He worked there for 33 years before he retired. His retirement party was a highlight of his life. He married Sherri Bailey in July of 1977. They had three sons, Charles (Laura), Mike (Kim), and James. He has three grandchildren, Joseph, Ava, and Eli, He has two step-grandchildren, Tony and Brianna. Charlie and Sherri separated in 1995. He became a charter member of the Viet Nam Veterans Chapter 218 here in Santa Barbara. He participated in many celebrations and parades with chapter 218. He began attending Hope Church and had been there for almost 27 years. He began taking two-step lessons and became a good dancer. Country music and dancing became a passion of his life. He Knew country music well and he also knew all the oldies. He danced many places but in 1996 he met Cathy Plowman at the City Line. They dated and dance together many years. In August of 2002, they got married. He gained four stepchildren, Joe (Page), Jesse (Angelena), Cheryl, Charlene (Justin). He also gained twelve step-grandchildren, Presly, Dylon, Lucy, Blake, Chase, Carter, Sterling, Brody, Ruby, Joseph, Dean, and Colbie, He proudly became an Elks member of Santa Barbara #613, He was a member for 17 years. He loved Friday nights there, full of dancing and friends.  However, the highlight of his week was always Wednesday. He loved country Night at the Creekside. You could always find him there. He never missed a Wednesday. He made many life-long friends during his dancing years there, He now dances in his heavenly home but we miss him. Since the Creekside was his favorite place, it is fitting to have his celebration of life there, It will be at 10am on July 11th at 4444 Hollister Ave We will have lunch afterwards.