Robert John “Bob” Franklin, Colonel, USAF (Retired)
May 22, 1941 – October 4, 2016

Colonel Robert J. Franklin, USAF (retired), 75, went to be with his Lord October 4, 2016. Viewing will be held Thursday, October 6, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Owens & Brumbley Funeral Home in Burkburnett. Interment, with full military honors, will be Friday, October 7, at 2:00 p.m. at Ft. Sill National Cemetery. A memorial celebration will be held at First Baptist Church of Burkburnett at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, Pastor Bill Liggett officiating.

Colonel Franklin was born to Bruce and Jane Franklin on May 22, 1941, in Birmingham, AL. He attended grammar school and high school in Homewood, AL, graduating Shades Valley High School in 1959. He attended Auburn University and graduated from Samford University in 1964 with a B.S. Degree in Marketing. He earned a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Webster University.

Bob married the love of his life, Deanna Moon, in 1964. He joined the Air Force and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Officers Training School where he later taught for several years.  He earned his pilot’s wings at Randolph AFB, TX.

Bob’s distinguished 27 year military career included a one year combat tour in Vietnam, assignments as Squadron and Group Commander and numerous staff positions.  Hewas a command pilot with over 3,000 flying hours in a variety of aircraft including the T-37, T-38, C-141 and numerous rescue helicopters including the HH-3, UH-1N Huey and H-3 Jolly Green Giant. Bob was a graduate of Squadron Officer’s School in Montgomery, AL, and The National War College in Washington, D.C. He received numerous awards and recognitions during his military career. He retired from the USAF in 1993 at Shepard AFB, TX. After retirement he earned a Texas Home Inspector’s License and worked as a home inspector for several years.

Bob and Deanna became members of Burkburnett First Baptist Church in 1990 and he served in various capacities including Sunday School Director, Chairman of Ushers, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Church Moderator. He was a member of the Adult I Men’s Sunday School Class.

Bob was a member of The Burkburnett Rotary Club since 1990 and instrumental in starting the Burkburnett Rotary Flag Program. He received the Rotary Builder Award and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Bob was selected as 2013-2014 Outstanding Rotarian of District 5790.

He served his community in numerous other ways: delivered Meals on Wheels, was elected and served as a Commissioner on the Burkburnett City Council, was a member of the Friendship Park Committee, City Chapter Committee, Zoning Board Commission, and a board member of the Burkburnett Development Corporation.

Bob loved his Lord Jesus, the Church, his family and friends, both near and far. He enjoyed golf, the Auburn Tigers and the Dallas Cowboys.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deanna; his daughter Emily Bradford and her husband Chris of McKinney, TX, and their daughters, Elizabeth and Victoria and her husband Zech Rowe; his son Walter Franklin and his wife Michelle of Sacramento, CA, and their daughters Brittany and Brianna; his son John Franklin and his wife Charell of Wheatland, CA, and their daughters Celie and Anna. He is also survived by his only sibling, Bill Franklin, of Temple, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church, synagogue or charity of your choice or Hospice of Wichita Falls.

~ Guest Book ~

Tuesday, October 18, 2016
To the family of Unites States Air Force Colonel Robert J. Bob Franklin.  Every American’s flag should be at half-staff in honor of your loss.  Each and every breath of fresh air that we take for granted is made possible because of the sacrifices of warriors like Colonel Robert J. Bob Franklin.  Although your loss is filling your heart with sadness at the time, know that his fellow warriors most sincere condolences are being sent to your family and friends of this American Warrior.  It is because of his willingness to serve in harm’s way that allows us to live free. He served as a defender of OUR freedom. Now may he rest in peace with God, his mission is complete.  The stars of Heaven are brighter because Colonel Robert J. Bob Franklin is in Heaven standing watch over all of us.  We pray that the Lord above lay his healing hands on the family and friends of this Warrior, and comfort them during this emotional time. Give them the strength to carry on while remembering their fallen loved one evermore.  Tommy Kitchens, Master Sergeant (Retired) U.S. Air Force, 22 years, Helicopter Gunship Combat Veteran Vietnam, Grenada, Panama
~
TOMMY KITCHENS, Collinsville, Alabama

Monday, October 10, 2016
Dear Deanna & Family, I smile as I remember, Bob forever the Colonel; a strong, poised leader and caring friend always enriching the life of others. Forever a part of my life, my Rotary Sponsor. So warmly remembered.. You were blessed and he knew he was blessed with you. Thought & Prayers
~
Ruth Bridges