Ed Franklin

(From Parker Mortuary)

Edward James Franklin, Jr. age 88 of Joplin passed away Monday, February 16, 2015 at Cox Health in Monett, Missouri following an brief illness.

Ed was born January 8, 1927 to the late Edward J. Franklin, Sr. and Della Francis Franklin in North Miami, Oklahoma.

He was a lifelong resident of the Joplin and Webb City area. Ed worked as a repairman for Southwestern Bell Telephone for many years. He was a former member of Central United Methodist Church, Webb City and a veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II.

Ed was actively involved in clubs and community organizations throughout the area for many years. He was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 322, Webb City; Masonic Lodge #512 AF & AM, Webb City; member and past Grand Patron of Webb Chapter #204, Order of the Eastern Star; Joplin Shrine Club, where he was part of the rodeo clowns; York Rite Bodies, Valley of Joplin; Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Joplin and a member of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple of Springfield.

He married Roberta Ann Priaulx on June 13, 1947 in Miami, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death in 1956. He later married Nancy Ann Lee Franklin on April 26, 1963. She preceded him in death on May 28, 2008.

Also preceding Ed is a son, Kenneth Franklin.

Survivors include a daughter, Lou Ann Green and husband Gordon of Golden, Mo; sons, Steven Franklin and wife, Paula of Olathe, Kansas, Doug Franklin and girlfriend, Michelle Cooper of Lowell, Arkansas; grandchildren, Stephanie Franklin, Heather Franklin, Jason Lane, Rachel Anderson, Douglas James Franklin; great grandchildren, Brodie, Connor, Ella, Aubree, and Ansley; brothers, Jack Franklin and wife Arlene of Tulsa, OK, Don Franklin of Sun City West, Arizona, David Franklin and wife Margie of Webb City; and a sister, Carol Monson of Webb City.

Graveside services are planned for Friday, February 20, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at Park Cemetery in Carthage, MO with Bob Simon officiating. Family will receive friends Thursday from 7-8:00 P.M. at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.