Francis Sweet

Francis Glen Sweet was born February 5, 1947, to Colon and Guinn Sweet. He had one brother, Richard, who proceeded him in death. He has three sisters Elaine, Melinda, and Susan Colleen. Fran attended Southlake Carroll schools where he was very active in sports. He played basketball, baseball, football, and track and field. He married Ann Slayton. Together, they had two sons, Richard and Robert Sweet. After several years, they divorced. On March 26, 1976, Fran married Karma Poff Clayton. He adopted Karma’s daughter, Karla. Together, they had Brady, Sheryl, Elisabeth, April, Mandy, Tabitha, and Fawn. Fran and Karma were married for 46 years.

Fran rededicated his life to Jesus in his late 20’s. He felt called into ministry. He attended Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas. He graduated in 1981 with his Associates Degree in Theology. He became a licensed and ordained minister. Over the decades, Fran had several different ministries varying from feeding the homeless in Dallas to preaching in Mexico. He loved Jesus very much. He wanted to tell everyone about Him. Often, you could find him at the dining room table with his Bible and many concordances studying for his next message. If you put a microphone in his hand, you never knew what he was going to say.

As well as being involved in ministry, Fran was an entrepreneur. He started a few business ventures over the years. His most successful would be Fran’s Fryers which began over 25 years ago, and is still going to this day. Many of his children have worked for the company.

Fran became a licensed pilot. He enjoyed fishing, watching baseball, taking naps, buying expensive toys, flying, and flipping through the channels on the TV. He wasn’t much of a talker. So when he was done with a conversation, he would simply walk out of the room, even if the other person wasn’t finished yet. He prayed for his country at every meal. He had worked the election polls often, and was Precinct Chairman in Ellis County for a few years. He was a firm Republican.

On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, Fran suffered a massive stroke while eating dinner with family. Even though medical treatment was given quickly, much damage was done affecting the entire left side of his brain. On September 14, 2022, while at his home in Red Oak, Fran went to see Jesus.

Fran loved his family. He loved his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, all of his children, 15 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or to the family to help with funeral expenses.