Billy Franklin

Billy Joe Franklin, age 82 of Ketchum, OK, passed away Sunday, March 13, 2011. Bill was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on January 25, 1929, to Martin Luther Franklin and Beaulah Maizie (Browning) Franklin. He attended school in Coffeyville. He entered the U.S. Air Force on June 28, 1948 and retired after 21 years. During his tour in the Air Force he had 4,300 flight hours in 13 different aircrafts, flew 100 combat missions in a jet fighter in Korea in 1951, and 12 combat support missions over South Vietnam in 1967. Bill and Goldie "Lee" Bever were married May 27, 1950 at Parrin Air Force Base in Sherman, Texas. They had three children; Dianna Lynne, Charles Allen, and James David Franklin. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife "Lee", and son Charles, "Chuck". He is survived by daughter Dianna and husband Wes Cochran of Ketchum, OK, son Jim and wife Susan Franklin of Afton, OK, four grandchildren: Shannon Brewer, Bethany and husband David Harding, Michael Hensley and Alicia Hensley, numerous great grandchildren, and a host of friends. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com