Elmo Frederick Franz, Jr., 80, a resident of Kingsland for 32 years, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009.  He was born on Sept. 19, 1928 in Galveston, Texas and grew up in San Antonio.

In 1979, he started a collision repair shop and wrecker service, which later became Oak Hill Body & Paint.  It is a family business that Franz owned and managed from the start.  Franz was the kind of owner that was hard to please and easy to like.  For him it was never about the numbers, it was always about providing a service. As a fixture in Oak Hill for 30 years, Franz will be missed.  

Oak Hill Body & Paint will continue as Elmo wanted, "A Family."  Wife Josephine (Jo) and son Nick will continue the Franz tradition. Franz is survived by his wife Josephine of 32 years, nine children: Frederick, Terri, Donald, Kelli, David, Kristy, Nick, Amanda and Ashlee.  He had 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The Texas Independent Automotive Association wishes to express its deepest sympathies to the entire Franz family.  "Whenever a TIAA member passes away it is like we all lost a family member," said TIAA Austin Chapter President Leonard Fehrle.  "Elmo will truly be missed."