Gary Don Franklin

Gary Don Franklin, 71, of Fayetteville was carried by angels to his heavenly home on January 13, 2015. He was born April 12, 1943 in Dutton, Arkansas to L.D. "Jack" and Nelline Wist Franklin. At the age of 19, he married his childhood sweetheart Lora Etta Walker. They had two wonderful sons, Rodney and Gary Scott. Rodney and wife, Julie with children, Megan and Blake live in Edmond, Okla.; Scott with wife, Becky and children, Brooke and Colton live in Rogersville, Mo. He later married Lynda Mosley in 2003. Her children, Shelli and Palmer with their six children; Palmer Simeon, Ethan, Kelsie, Kaylen, Grayson and Mavrick loved Gary and were always welcomed with open arms. His sister, Josephine Handcock and her husband, Jim and their daughter live in Waco, Texas.; and brother, Larry, lives in Atlanta, Georgia and have three children. Gary retired from Campbell Soup after 28 years as a mechanic. His love of the outdoors was well known with his hunting skills, his love of guns and fixing up antique cars. His military in the Army was served in Fulda Germany where his oldest son, Rodney was born. He was always very proud to be a veteran of the United States Army and very thankful to the local Veterans Hospital for their many years of care for him. He was a member of The American Legion and faithfully supported Paralyzed Veterans of America. Gary with his loving wife, Lynda were members of South Hill Church of Christ. He has many, many friends in the northwest Arkansas area and his beloved Madison County roots. His kind and loving spirit will be missed. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2015 at South Hill Church of Christ with Pastor Gary Gage officiating. Cremation arrangements by Beard's Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the South Hill Church of Christ P.O. Box 3425, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702. Online condolences may be made to www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.