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After graduation from Classen I attended OU and graduated in 1964 with a B.S. in Engineering (Computer Science option as it was known in those days). Then after vowing to never darken the halls of another education institution again I relocated to Canoga Park California to work for Rocketdyne.

Rocketdyne was the primary manufacturer of most of the rocket engines in support of the U.S. Space Programs {Apollo, Gemini, Mercury etc.) The company, then part of North American Aviation, was about 20,000 employees and was a very exciting place to work.

Being true to my vow I found myself enrolled at USC working on my Masters in 1966. In 1968 the Space Program was reduced and many of the programs were ending and the company reduced its work force to about 6,000 people. Being a fairly recent hire I was laid off and I planned to finish my Masters at USC and use their placement service to find new employment, however 2 weeks later I was working for Litton Industries. There I completed my M.S. in Systems Engineering and Rocketdyne was gearing up for the Space Shuttle Program so I was re-instated and it was as if I never left.

I was married a few years from 1966 to 1969 but since then I haven’t found anyone who could tolerate me for long periods of time. It was during this time period I developed an interest in tournament Bridge as a hobby and it’s been an important part of my social life ever since. I travel to tournaments around the country and have made many friends on my travels.

After working in the Aerospace business for almost 40 years I decided to retire in 2002 and it was probably the best decision I have ever made. I still travel to tournaments occasionally and last year I bought a home in Edmond where I plan to retire someday. Right now my Mom (now age 89 but won’t admit it) lives in my home in Edmond and I travel back 5-6 times a year to spend as much time as possible with her.

I created and maintain a web site (once a computer nerd always a computer nerd) for my local bridge club and can’t figure out how I ever found time to work.

Doris Lucille Frans, age 91, went home to be with the Lord and her loving husband Edway on Wednesday January 31, 2007 in OKC. She was born October 20, 1915 in Butler, Oklahoma. Survivors include two sons Steve Frans Edmond, Gary Frans of Calabasas, California, 'adopted son' Steve Clark of Wichita, two grandchildren Rachel and Ryan of Edmond, a niece Jan Gwynn of OKC, nephews Bill Roland of OKC and Bob McLaughlin of Shawnee and numerous other family members and friends. 'Aunt Doc' had a vibrant and dynamic spirit which endeared her to all she met. Services will be 1:00 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at Wesley United Methodist Church in OKC . Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery in OKC.
Published in The Oklahoman on 2/4/2007.