Donald Franklin

Donald Floyd Franklin, 87, of Sedalia, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia. He was born on March 19, 1929 in Miles City, Montana the son of Floyd F. and Lela Fae (Root) Franklin, who preceded him in death.

On May 29, 1959 in Sedalia he was united in marriage to Joyce Evans, who survives of the home.

Don served his country honorably during WWII, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam War, retiring from the United States Air Force in 1967 after 20 years, 3 months and 3 days of service. After retirement from the Air Force, he worked with Sipes Mobile Home, Bryant Motors, Town & Country Motors, Bill Greer Motors and William Woody Nissan. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Sedalia VFW Post# 2591, Sedalia Scottish Rite, York Rite, Sedalia Shrine Club, receiving his 50 year membership pin from the Masonic Granite Lodge #272 AF&AM.

Don enjoyed traveling, and doing all types of woodworking. Especially working with walnut, making gifts for friends and family.

Family was everything to Don, and he especially appreciated his grandson, Shayne, for going the extra mile to help take care of him at home. Dr. Wakefield, the head of Urologic Oncology at the University of Missouri Hospital, said Shayne was a fine young man and that he wished more men were like him! Dr. Wakefield and Shayne met because Shayne was with Don at his last two surgeries and he mentioned that because of Shayne, Don "Gpa" was able to stay at home.

Besides his wife Joyce, he is survived by two daughters, Doneta Handley (James) of Sedalia and Cyndrea Lambert of Carrollton; four grandchildren, Evan and Aron Handley and Shayne and Skyler Lambert; five (Sipe) God Children; two brothers Lawrence Franklin (Carol) of Edmonds, WA. and Brad Crosier of Lynden, WA.; ten nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister Rita Franklin.

A graveside service and burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Memorial Park Cemetery with Kevin Walker, officiating. Full military honors will be conducted at the graveside by Whiteman Air Force Base Honor Guard and Sedalia VFW Post #2591.

A family visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.

Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Beck, Shayne Lambert, Skyler Lambert, Evan Handley, Aron Handley and Randy Summers.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church or the Sedalia Senior Center in care of the funeral home.