September 25, 1945 – December 3, 2024
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Okmulgee on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 2 p.m. for Bobby Joe Franklin. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Okemah. He was born, September 25, 1945, in Weleetka to Cecil and Pearlene (Roberts) Franklin. He passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at his home in Okemah at the age of 79.
His family and friends knew him by several different names: Bobby Joe, Bobby, Bob, Poppy or simply B.J. Bob began his education in Checotah. He and his family soon moved to Okmulgee, where his dad became pastor of the Assembly of God Church. While at Okmulgee, he participated in many sports: baseball, basketball, football and track. His senior year, he qualified for state in track in broad jump. He also was part of the Harmonaires, singing bass under the direction of Miss Mary Lou Finley. Bob graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1963. Before graduation, Bob’s math instructor, Mr. William Bell, encouraged him to sign up with the Reserves. Surprisingly, he did. After graduation, he left for Fort Leonardwood for basic training. Bob started his career at Sunray DX as a mail boy. He attended night classes at Tulsa University, working toward a degree in accounting. He worked at Sunoco Oil Company for 36 years before retiring. Bob served as a board member for Western Sun Federal Credit Union for over 40 years and was also a former board member for Okemah Public Schools.
On November 19, 1999, he married Marilyn. He also enriched his family life with her daughters, Stephanie and Emily. Bob enjoyed playing golf, boating and attending OU football games with his wife Marilyn. He also attended events of their grandchildren: Berkley, Olivia, Case and Brooklyn watching them dance, do gymnastics, play basketball, football, softball or soccer.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Raymond Franklin, Jr. He is also preceded by two grandchildren, Skyler and Heartly.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; daughters, Stacy Franklin of North Carolina, Stephanie Kornegay (Clint) of Broken Arrow and Emily Giles (Brent) of Oklahoma City; his grandchildren, Berkley and Case Kornegay, Olivia and Brooklyn Giles, Tori and Zane and his brother Raymond.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Ron Ruston, John Boyd, R.D. Claborn, Raymond Franklin, Buddy Chaffin, Bob Reilly, Pat Smith, Charlie Redding and Jerry Riley.
Inurnment will be held at the Cremation Cemetery at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. 6th St. in Okmulgee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Okmulgee.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Bob’s Compassus Hospice Team: Sarah Bush, Amanda Smith, Dusty Gregory, Kristal Taylor and Jessica Ford. Thank you for all your special care of Bob. We appreciate you so much.
Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home of Okemah.
