Garrett Keith Franco

It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of our loved one, Garrett Keith Franco, age 39 a life long resident of the Tule River Indian Reservation. Garrett passed away August 2021, on the Tule River Indian Reservation, Porterville, Ca. Garrett was born on February 15, 1982 to Dawn Dulay Wheeler and Keith “Brian” Franco in Porterville, Ca. Garrett attended schools from elementary through high school in the Porterville School District. Garrett was a Wildland Firefighter for the Tule River Fire Department and later changed jobs doing what he loved as a Range Rider for the Tule River Tribe. Garrett loved the mountains and he loved riding his horses, the wilder the horse the better the ride and he’d have the attitude of “Hell Ya” I tamed that pony. Garrett was a natural with horses, like a horse whisperer. He would ride anytime, anywhere. His happiness was family first, then horses, he was a chatter box filled with excitement when he spoke of how he would break a horse and he never left without an I love you. Garrett loved his native roots, he liked to draw, bead and enjoy nature. Garrett was known to be goofy, funny, and often carried a smile, he was very caring and he had an unexplainable love for his family. He was a protector who was truly loved and he will he greatly missed by his family and those who knew him. Garrett is preceded in death by his mother Dawn Dulay Wheeler, son Roman Garrett Franco, daughter Anjenai Janelle Franco, grandfather Lawrence Dulay, grandfather John Franco Sr., grandmother Edna Franco. Surviving family members include brothers Jarrett “Jedi” Franco (wife Rebecca) Jordan Wheeler, and Tyson Wheeler, grandmother Helen Dulay, father Keith “Brian” Franco all of the Tule River Indian Reservation, father Darin Wheeler, grandfather Gene and Betty Wheeler of Oregon, as well as many nieces, nephews. Garrett Franco’s services will be as follows, Procession on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center to Tule River Indian Reservation. The Rosary, Friday, October 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Tule River Indian Reservation. The Church and Spiritual service, Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, follow by an Internment at Lower Reservation Cememtery. To sign Garrett Keith Franco’s online Register book or leave a message of condolence go to www.portervillefuneral.com. For additional information, contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center at (559) 784-6485.