Robert "Bob" Raymond Franklin

Robert Raymond (Bob) Franklin was born on January 25, 1921 on the prairie in northern Dallas County, Missouri. He departed this life on February 27, 2023 at the age of 102 years, 1 month, and 2 days. Bob was the son of John Franklin and Iva (Sweaney) Franklin. Bob held many titles – son, brother, husband, Daddy (Pop), Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, World War II veteran, Dallas County Sheriff, auctioneer and dealer in livestock, and friend. He was bigger than life and loved to be the center of attention. Bob was the baby of the family. Everyone knew he was his mom’s favorite. He was definitely a momma’s boy! Bob graduated from Halfway High School in 1940. While in high school, he loved to play basketball. His nickname on the court was Shimmy Shaker. Bob professed his faith in Jesus as his Saviour when he was a young man. Bob was proud to be a veteran of World War II – The Greatest Generation. When the war started, he was in California building aircraft. He felt called and quit his draft exempt position to enlist in the army. He was assigned to the 1306 Engineers and arrived to fight at the Battle of the Bulge. After VE Day, Bob found himself on a boat headed for the Philippine Islands. The soldiers on board were told there would likely be 90-95% casualties. Needless to say, when the bomb was dropped, there was a lot of celebrating that happened on the boat! He then served in Japan until his discharge. Bob served as the Dallas County Sheriff from 1953-1957. He also attended the Missouri Auctioneer School. He ran the Buffalo Sale Barn, just off the square in Buffalo. In the early 1970’s he built a new sale barn on highway 32. He and Clyde McCoy held dozens of public auctions around southwest Missouri. After Clyde retired, Bill Turner took his place. He loved the auction business. When not working, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially pheasant and quail. He retired from the auction business in his seventies, and then he took up a new sport – golf. He loved playing! You would often find him golfing with his buddies or in the men’s league. At age 98, he played golf on his birthday! His goal was to play golf on his 100th birthday, but his health did not allow him to do that. Bob enjoyed an active life well into his 90’s. At 98, he was still mowing his own lawn and patching the roof, much to his family’s dismay. Bob lived a good life. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Randy Franklin; one brother, A.B. Franklin; and two sisters, Eddie Murphy and Audie Fullerton. He is survived by his wife Marcelene of the home; two daughters, Senator Sandy Crawford & husband John of Buffalo, MO and Dr. Tama Franklin & husband Mike Grose of Springfield, MO; his grandchildren, Randall Franklin & wife Jean of Broken Arrow, OK, Aaron Grose & wife Brannin of Springfield, MO and Kaylee Grose of Springfield, MO; his great-grandchildren, Robert, Ross and Ryann Franklin of Broken Arrow, OK; his sisters-in-law, Kathleen Dill of Elkland, MO and Wanda Henderson of Buffalo, MO; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Pastor Don Ball, Jr. officiating. Escorts will be John Crawford, Mike Grose, Aaron Grose, Randall Franklin, Dan Crawford, and Bill Turner. Honorary escorts will be Tuff Hamlet, Carroll Lindsey, Robert Franklin, Ross Franklin, Lyle Caselman, and Leon Caselman. Interment will be in the Memorial Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the VFW Post 4080 or the Dallas County Fair.

Robert "Bob" Raymond Franklin

January 25, 1921 - February 27, 2023