Richard Franklin

Richard Franklin, 64, a resident of Viola, Ark., went to be with His Lord and Savior, Jan. 11, 2013, at Circle of Life Hospice at Legacy Village in Bentonville. He was born Jan. 9, 1949, in Pecos, Texas, the son of Othal Lee Franklin and Margie Franklin Clifton. He was preceded in death by his father, Othal Franklin; his mother, Margie Clifton; a sister, Donella Franklin; a half-brother, Larry Joe Clifton; and his stepfather, Raymond Clifton. Richard served in the Navy during the Vietnam War as an aircraft mechanic on the USS Lexington and on Naval Search and Rescue off the coast of Florida. Richard enjoyed fishing and collecting unusual rocks that he found while walking the hills of Fulton County with his faithful friend, Yogi. Survivors include his daughters, Kande Scarbrough of Tampa, Fla., and Stacey Crowley of Jacksonville, Ark.; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers and their wives, Terry and Toni Franklin of Bentonville (who with their son Brian, lovingly cared for Richard in his last days) and Perry and Shirley Franklin of Fayetteville; many nieces and nephews; and one very special canine companion named Yogi. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of the incredible staff associated with Hospice Home at Legacy Village in Bentonville and to Jo Jones, chaplain with the Northwest Medical system. God used them to tenderly care for Richard and minister to all of his family. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville. Cremation arrangements were handled by Moore's Funeral Chapel of Fayetteville. Memorial contributions may be made to Circle of Life Hospice Home at Legacy Village, 900 N.E. Verdant, Bentonville, AR 72712.