Robert Allen Franco passed away February 14, 2024 at home with his beloved wife, Deb, by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 64 years old.
Robert was born June 9, 1959 to Anacito and Bernice (Estrada) Franco. His early education was through the Scottsbluff school system. In his early years, he worked for Simons Construction and the Game and Parks at Lake Minatare until he hired on with Burlington Northern Railroad as a machinist in 1980. He worked for 21 years at the railroad. After leaving, he worked at Legacy Ford as the parts manager, and went on to work for Rick’s Wrecking, Langer Industries, and NMC in the parts department for 14 years. He even worked for a short time for FedEx until he got an injury to his shoulder. He then worked for Regional West Medical Center until he received his cancer diagnosis.
He was united in marriage to Debbie Esterly on May 30, 2015 in Scottsbluff where the couple resided until his passing.
His spare time was spent on his passion for politics and the union. He was the president of the Western Nebraska Central Labor Council, Union Rep for International Association of Machinists, and Aerospace Workers local 602. Having worked with Ben Nelson along with several other senators and congressmen locally, he sat on several seats to help the community including city council for a short time.
He was a member of the Elks, and among other passions, he was a very active member and leader of many pool leagues, having gained much respect as a pool player. In the pool world in Scottsbluff and many surrounding areas, he played against some of the best and could hold his own.
Other interests included racing with his brother, Matt Franco. Together, they built a car in the 90s and did well for the small budget they had. He won many races with his brother and step-son, Jeremy Delgado, before starting Memories Limousine to “retire” with his wife, Deb, at his side. He didn’t run it as a business, but rather, as a way to provide a service to people making memories to share with every customer.
Through all of his accomplishments, he most enjoyed camping, as well as mentoring people, lending a helping hand, giving pep talks on life, and encouraging people to do better. He loved talking to people and giving the best advice possible in order to allow people another way to look at things. A great person overall, he was a wonderful advisor.
Survivors include his wife, Deb; sister, Elena Simons; brothers, Eddie (Robin) Franco and Matt (Donna) Franco; step-children, Jeremy (Casey) Delgado, Michele (Brandon) Kay, and Tara Ockinga (Allen Tarr); grandkids, Keon and Kambree Delgado, and Cooper, Ashton, and Leah Kay, Trace Tarr, Dakoda Yager, and Cilas Tarr; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anacito and Bernice Franco; grandparents, Rose and Ben Estrada and Santos and Andrea, Franco; and several aunts, uncles, and friends.