Thomas Andrew Franklin Jr., 69, of Yukon, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
He was born Sept. 19, 1949, in Trumann, Ark., son of Thomas Andrew Sr. and Ethel Irene Stewart Franklin. He and Joyce Elaine Heiney were married Jan. 18, 1972.
He graduated from Gillespie High School in Gillespie, Ill., in 1967 and shortly later joined the Army. He was deployed to Vietnam.
He enjoyed being in the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting and camping. He also loved playing softball and spending time with his grandchildren and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Pauline Gum and Mary Birdsong; a brother, Clancey Franklin; and a grandchild.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce of Yukon; five children, Matthew Franklin of Barstow, Calif., Andy Franklin of Raymondville, Bucky Franklin and Franklin of Houston and Belinda Kaut of Mountain View; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and eight siblings, Les Franklin, Sarah Smith and Roger Franklin of Houston, Beverly Flowers of Willow Springs, Jim Franklin of Yukon, Susie Twyford of Bucyrus, Larry Franklin of Illinois and Mabel Richards of Springfield.
Services were Thursday, Feb. 21, at Bradford Funeral Home, Summersville. Burial was in Union Chapel Cemetery, Eunice.
