Bobby G. "Bob" Franklin

Bobby G. "Bob" Franklin, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Army, 75, left this life on July 4, 2010, at the Claremore Regional Hospital after a short illness. Born July 5, 1934, to the late Jim and Pearl (Edwards) Franklin, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Vanessa Franklin Richardson. Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas Polytechnic College, Russellville, Ark. (now Arkansas Tech University), in 1956 and embarked on a lengthy and distinguished career in the U.S. Army. Bob chose Army Aviation early in his military service and was awarded the Master Army Aviator Wings. Bob took great pride in his service to our country and loved to fly. LTC Franklin served two combat tours in Vietnam as well as non-combat tours in Korea, Germany and Alaska. While serving as a pilot in Vietnam with the 116th Assault Helicopter Company he was awarded the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. In addition, Franklin received the Bronze Star with Second Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal through 13th Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal and upon his retirement in 1976, the Legion of Merit Award. Bob enjoyed his retirement, devoting his energy and hard work to developing a successful cattle operation located on top of a mountain with a scenic vista of the Arkansas River Valley and Petit Jean Mountain in Conway County, Ark. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, reading, hunting with his son, playing bridge and hitting the course with a full roster of golf buddies. An avid golfer, he excelled at the sport and his skill was rewarded with a total of five holes-in-one scored during his retirement. Bob is survived by his wife, Lillian McKee Franklin of Hattieville, Ark.; son and daughter-in-law Keith and Stephani Franklin of Tulsa, Okla.; three grandchildren, Taylor Franklin of Tulsa, Okla., and Tye and Joseph Richardson of Little Rock, Ark.; brother, Bill Franklin of Parks, Ark. and sister, Meb McCraw of Waldron, Ark. Graveside service will be held at St. Mary's Church Cemetery in St. Vincent, Ark., on July 30 at 11 a.m. Arrangements by: Fitzgerald's Funeral Service, Tulsa, Okla. Condolences for the family may be sent to: www.fitzgeraldivychapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's name can be made to the VFW Martin-Bradley Post, 98 City Park Dr., Morrilton, Ark. 72110 or "The Salvation Army".