June 7, 2016

Leroy M. Franklin, age 94, of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Friday, June 3, 2016. He was born Sept. 10, 1921, in Hodge, Mo., the son of Manford R. and Lela (Register) Franklin.  He was united in marriage with Margaret M. Davis on July 21, 1946, in Olathe, Kan.

Leroy was a veteran of WWII, the recipient of five Bronze Stars and Good Conduct Medal. He fought in campaigns in Ardennes, Central Europe, Rhineland, Normandy, Northern France. He owned and operated Midwest Tree Experts in Kansas City, Mo., until retirement.

Leroy grew up around Richmond, Mo. He moved to Kansas City, Mo., after WWII then moved to Louisburg, Kan., to raise his family. There he was an active member of the Assembly of God Church. After retirement Leroy moved to Pleasanton. The most important things in Leroy’s life were God, family, hunting, fishing and gardening.

Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; son, Larry; and eight siblings, Addie Elnora Belt, Chester Monroe Franklin, Ollie Irene Doss, Eva Bernice Howell, Robert Irvin Franklin, Mildred Josephine Jordon, Jesse James Franklin and Basil L. Franklin.

He is survived by two sons, Gary Franklin, Louisburg, and Ricky Franklin, Pleasanton;  one daughter, Patti Endecott, Pleasanton; one brother, John (Dub) Franklin, Richmond, Mo.; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

The visitation will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2016, from 10-11 a.m. at Penwell-Gabel Louisburg Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the chapel. Burial will be with military honors in the Louisburg Cemetery. 

The family suggests contributions to Mercy Hospice, 902 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelLouisburg.com.

Arrangements: Penwell-Gabel Louisburg Chapel, 120 S. Broadway, Louisburg, KS , (913) 837-4310.