Earl Ralph Franklin

Earl Ralph Franklin was born on January 10, 1925 in Wellston, Oklahoma to Carl and Emma (Pace) Franklin. He passed away on June 7, 2018 at his home in Wellston at the age of 93.

Earl was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend to many. He enjoyed working hard, spending time with his family, friends, senior citizens and church. He lived in the Wellston area most of his life and was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Wellston. After graduating from Chandler High School, Earl proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps. He later went on to attend college at Emporia State University in Kansas and Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee where he majored in bridge and minored in pinochle. Earl worked many years in pipelining and in the oil field, he also worked for Peter Kiewit for over 20 years before working for Bill’s Coal Company before his retirement.

He enjoyed fishing, fishing and more fishing. He was also known for carrying a video camera on his shoulders to capture memories, a hobby that has turned into great blessings for his family.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 56 years, Erma (Pinkston) Franklin; brother, Virgil Franklin, and granddaughter, Amber Franklin. Survivors include his children, Randy Franklin and his wife Mary, Ramona and her husband Jimmie Payne, Dan Franklin and his wife Traci, Rex Franklin and his wife Tawnya, all of Wellston; (9) grandchildren, Tommie, Chris, Kyle, Doug, Brandon, Darla, Jarod, Crystal and Clifton; (24) great-grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter; longtime friends, Gloria Goggin, Lois Thompson, Kenneth Mattheyer, Marvin Evans; domino buddy, Charles Wilson; and many other family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Wellston with interment following in the Oak Park Cemetery of Chandler. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.

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