Stephen Carl Franke, 67, of Kingwood, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2011. Steve was born on September 15, 1944 in Spartanburg, SC. to Fritz C. and Ozie Franke. He attended Columbia University where he graduated with a B.S. in 1966 and an M.S. in 1968, in Chemical Engineering. Steve played football at Columbia for 3 years. He married Diane Rober in 1966 in Brooklyn, NY. Steve went to work for Shell Oil in 1968 and retired from Shell Chemical in 2002. He served as President of PIP Trade Group and was very involved in the PROMES program at the University of Houston, which promoted a scholarship program for engineering students, sponsored by Shell retirees and employees.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Fritz R. Franke. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Diane Franke; sons, Stephen Franke Jr. and wife Erin, Bill Franke and wife Janene; grandchildren, Morgan, Sydney, Caroline and Conrad Franke; brothers, Michael, Mark and Tim Franke; sisters, Bethany Franke and Melanie Spencer.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in the Chapel of Kingwood Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the PROMES program c/o the Cullen College of Engineering at the University of Houston.