Thomas Andrew Franklin Jr.

Thomas Andrew Franklin Jr., age 69 of Yukon, was born on September 19, 1949 in Trumann, Arkansas to Thomas Andrew Franklin Sr. and Ethel Irene (Stewart) Franklin. He passed away on February 17, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Tom was united in marriage to Joyce Elaine Heiney on January 18, 1972. Tom had five children: Matthew from a previous marriage, and he and Joyce had four children: Thomas III (Andy), Thimothy (Bucky), Melinda and Belinda.

Tom graduated from Gillespie High School in Gillespie, Illinois in 1967 and shortly after graduation he joined the United States Army where he was deployed to Vietnam.

He enjoyed being in the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting and camping. Tom also enjoyed playing softball. The thing he most enjoyed though, was playing with his grandchildren and spending time with family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters: Pauline Gum and Mary Birdsong; 1 brother: Clancey Franklin as well as 1 grandchild.

He is survived by: his wife Joyce of Yukon, MO; his children: Matthew Franklin and his wife Frances of Barstow, CA, Andy Franklin and his wife Erica of Raymondville, MO, Bucky Franklin of Houston, MO, Melinda Franklin and Edward of Houston, MO and Belinda Kaut and Michael of Mtn. View, MO; 14 Grandchildren and 13 Great-Grandchildren; he is also survived by his siblings: Beverly Flowers of Willow Springs, MO, Jim and wife Vicky Franklin of Yukon, MO, Les and wife Wanda Franklin of Houston, MO, Sarah and husband Harold Smith of Houston, MO, Susie and husband Larry Twyford of Bucyrus, MO, Roger Franklin of Houston, MO, Larry and wife Michelle Franklin of Illinois and Mabel Richards of Springfield, MO.

Tom will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.