Richard Lee Franklin passed away on December 11, 2024 in Bethany, Oklahoma. He was born September 6, 1936 to Whit Inzer Franklin and Dorothy May Stewart in San Francisco, California. He married Ruth Fay Drake on November 25, 1961 in Stafford, Ohio. They were married for 63 years, and Richard never forgot an anniversary, birthday, or important event. He always treated his wife, children, and grandkids with love and respect and made everyone feel special. Richard retired from Tinker Air Force Base as an electronic technician after 38 years of service. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Richard enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour books, watching western movies, singing Elvis tunes, and tinkering with gadgets and electronic devices. He was very involved in his local church, Calvary Church of the Nazarene, where he attended the past 54 years. During his early years at Calvary, he drove the church bus and picked up children for church. In his later years, he went on a mission's trip to Belize, helped his wife with the Caravans program, and participated in the Christians in Action Sunday School group. Richard was always willing to sit down with neighbors, listen to their needs, and lend a helping hand. He assisted many neighbors, friends, and family with their car repairs.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Melvin Franklin, his sister Jean Eagan, and his sister Dorothy Gay.

Richard is survived by brother, Arley Franklin; wife, Ruth Franklin; son, Brian Franklin; daughter, Cathy Hershberger; grandson, Ryan Hershberger; granddaughter, Ashley Dudzik; grandson, Joshua Hershberger; grandson, Andrew Franklin; great-granddaughter Alizzianna Santiago; great-granddaughter Briella Hershberger; son-in-law, David Hershberger; daughter-in-law, Samantha Franklin; granddaughter-in-law Katelyn Hershberger; grandson-in-law Josiah Dudzik; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, December 16, 6:00 pm at Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Bethany, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calvary Church of the Nazarene to support their missions outreach. To share a memory or condolence, or to read the full obituary, visit www.mercer-adams.com.