Franklin Christopher Mader

Franklin Christopher Mader, 62, of Bentonville, Ark., died Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Ark., after a short and sudden illness. He was born June 18, 1951, in Hahira, Ga., to Bernard and Lucille Mader. He loved his family passionately and was known for his many "Frankisms" one of which was "that's the ABCs of me, babe." He enjoyed coaching soccer, guitars, his Camero Convertible, classic rock and blues, watching the Florida Gators and Washington Redskins, and reading his Nook. He had lived in the Northwest Arkansas area for 13 years after moving from Jefferson City, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws. Franklin is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jan Mader; three sons, Christopher Mader and his partner, Erin Stanley, of Longmont, Colo., Jason Mader of Bentonville, and Matthew and his wife, Amanda, of Pineville, Mo.; one brother, Karl Mader and his wife, Ruth, of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Anne Beirman of Wyoming; one brother-in-law, Charles Howell Jr. of Ponte Vedra, Fla.; and five grandchildren. Celebration of life service will be on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012, at noon at Life Connection Church in Rogers with Josh Davis officiating. Memorials may be sent to the family at 2906 Red Haven St., Bentonville, AR 72712. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bentonville. Condolences at www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.