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Gene Franklin

Gene Franklin

Oct 13, 1926 - Jun 29, 2013
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Funeral services for Allen Eugene “Gene” Franklin, 86, who died June 29, 2013 at his home in Riverton, will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Vernon Boehlke officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery with military rites. Memorial contributions to the Trinity Lutheran Church Elevator Fund in care of Davis Funeral Home.

He was born October 13, 1926, in Morrill, Nebraska, son of Ethan A. and Doris M. (Campbell) Franklin.

During his high school years, the family moved to Pavillion to farm. Gene attended Riverton High School where he played and lettered in football, basketball and track. He graduated in 1944 and then enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during World War II.

Gene married Billie June Welcher in 1958. She preceded him in death January 12, 1965. During this marriage, the couple adopted Kathleen when she was a day old in 1960 and then Brad, also a day old, was adopted in 1963.

On October 1, 1967, Gene married Lorene R. “Lory” Gerdes in the Messiah Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City, OK.

He worked on the Humphries Ranch on Copper Mountain and was also a self-employed contractor working throughout Fremont County.

Gene enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, ice fishing, hunting, camping, riding horses and reading. He also loved playing with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Mr. Franklin was a very active member in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Riverton, serving as an Elder, Treasurer, on the Evangelism Committee and also as a Sunday School Teacher. He also served on the Museum Board and was a Little League Coach for his son’s team. Gene also enjoyed participating in the “Hell of a Hunt.”

Survivors include his wife, Lory of Riverton; son, Brad and his wife Dawne Franklin of Riverton; daughter, Kathy Haas of Riverton; grandchildren, Matthew Franklin, Alicia Jaure and husband, Levon, Kimberly Jones and husband, Shea and Jacob Haas; great grandchildren, Billie Jo Levy, Kordelia Jaure, Alexis Jones, Ezra Jaure, Austynn Jones and Micah Haas.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie June, parents, siblings, Wilford Joe “Bill” Franklin, Elaine Ann Kunze, James Ray Franklin, Kathleen Doris Franklin and Catherine Franklin; grandson, Michael Geraud Franklin.

On-line condolences for the family may be made at: theDavisFuneralHome.com.

Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.