Robert "Bob" Leonard Franklin

The Greatest Generation lost one of its own when Robert Leonard (Bob) Franklin made his transition on May 13, 2016. Bob was born April 30, 1925 in Duncan, Oklahoma. The son of Leonard (Frank) and Alma Franklin, he had two sisters, Irene and Loretta. Bob was moved with the family at the age of four to Seminole where he grew up, graduating from Seminole High School in 1943. He was concerned that he might be drafted to serve in World War II before graduation since he wanted to get his diploma before enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He did get to graduate and by 1944 found himself with the 8th Air Force in Attlebridge, England. Bob was a B-24 navigator and had flown 32 missions at the age of 19. He was injured once, was awarded a Certificate of Valor, earned five Air Medals and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. His last mission was April 16, 1945, about two weeks before his 20th birthday. After separation from the service with a Reserve Commission, he entered Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) where he was a member of Kappa Sig fraternity. He was recalled to active duty in 1947 and became First Lieutenant during his second tour of duty. Discharged in 1953, Bob completed his degree in history and government at the University of Oklahoma in 1955. He worked in the Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center in St. Louis, Missouri until retirement. While there he became an accomplished artist, specializing in portraiture. Bob was also an avid golfer. Bob is survived by his sister Loretta Franklin Jones, a niece Tracey Elizabeth Harris, a nephew John (Mack) Harris, Jr., a grand niece Megan Harris, and the love of his life, Janet Sherrell. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister August Irene Sherrod. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Walker Funeral Chapel with Rev. Kris Tate officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole.