GARY WAYNE FRANKLIN

Gary Wayne Franklin, 68, was born to Earl B and Mildred B Spillman Franklin on Dec. 27, 1940 at Rural Hume.

Gary passed away Oct. 2, 2009 at Meadowbrook Hospital, Gardner, Kan., from complications of lung cancer.

He attended Hume schools all 12 years graduating in 1958.

Gary proudly served in the Army from Feb. 17, 1959 being honorably discharged on Nov. 30, 1964. His specialty title was cannoneer.

Gary was a member of the American Legion post No. 19.

He went into the service station business with his brother Charles. Then Gary and family moved to Fort Scott where he was employed as a Ford Certified Tech for 10 years. Then he went back into the service station business in Hume and opened Gary's auto service. His last employment was at Cooks Ham, Inc in which he enjoyed he commuting with his nephew Gene.

He joined the Hume Christian Church at an early age, was a member of 4-H, church youth group, Hume saddle club and served on the Hume city council. He was a member of the Hume Alumni only missing the reunion when he was in the military.

Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding horses, bowling and supported youth bowling teams, spending time with his family and friends, and his love of cars.

In later years, Gary enjoyed the company of the dogs, who became his daily companions.

He was a great believer in education, always encouraging his children and grandchildren to continue learning and never stop, and meet new challenges.

Gary leaves behind his wife and best friend Pat of 38 years, and their blended family. Daughters Tammy Locke and husband Kevin, Polly Plain, Gardner, Candy Duarte and husband Manuel , Spring Hill, Jenny Franklin, Nashville, Tenn. Son, Lynne Plain and wife Kathy, Fort Scott, John Hubbard, Russelville, Ark. Brothers, Charles and wife Jeannie, Hume, Mo., and Keith of Springfield. Grandchildren: Deidre Plain Hof and husband Phillip, Olathe, Jeffrey Plain and friend Courtney, New Brunfels, Texas , April and Logan Maxwell, Nashville, Tenn., Levi Locke, Manhatten, Shyan Locke, Gardner, Ali, Nick, Rachel Duarte, Springhill, Ricky Duarte, wife Ashley, Edgerton, Elizabeth Schiller, husband Joe, Fort Riley, Kan., great grandchildren: Ella and Adrinna Schiller, Fort Riley, Kan., Alex Durate, Edgerton, Kan., also adopted dogs Princess and Abby, mother-in-law, Anna Mae Carrel, sister-in-law, Nevada, Mo., Karen Carrel, Harrisonville, Mo., Aunt Edna Winters, Pleasanton, Kan., numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

Preceded him in death his parents sister Earlene, two years old, brother-in-law Lawrence Carrel, sister-in-law, Eva Franklin.

Even though we were not born his children, Gary loved us as we love him, he was there when we needed him, patient and kind, he leaves a void in our hearts that can never be filled. He will be greatly missed as we love you Gary, watch over us until we meet again, your family.

Services will be held at 10a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009 at the Hume Christian Church, Hume, Mo.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Monday at the Coffel-Schneider Chapel, Hume.

Contributions are suggested to the Grandkids Education Fund.

Interment will be in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coffelschneider.com

Arrangements:Coffel-Schneider Funeral Home, Hume, Mo.