Maurice Franklin Sr.

Mr. Maurice “Butch” Franklin, 73, of Independence, Kansas passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023, at his home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2023, at Berean Christian Mission Center with Pastor Michael Rose, Officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, Kansas. The family will receive friends at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Maurice was born August 18, 1949, in Independence, Kansas. He attended Washington Elementary School, Independence Junior High, and Independence High School. He graduated in 1967. He also attended Independence Community College.

Maurice married Mary L. Griffin. They were blessed with two sons, Maurice Franklin Jr., and Thomas D. Franklin. He also had a bonus son, James Griffin. Maurice and Mary later divorced. Maurice enlisted in the United States Army on January 16, 1970. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training and later served in Vietnam and Germany. He completed his military service at Fort Dix, New Jersey and was honorably discharged.

While in the army he received numerous commendations. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert M-14&M-16, Army Commendation Medal and two overseas bars.

He married Brenda E. (Smith) on June 25, 1982. They were blessed with a daughter. The surviving children are Maurice Franklin, Jr. of Jonesville, Virginia, Thomas D. Franklin, Los Angles, California, and Christin M. Franklin of Kansas City, Missouri.

He was a member of Berean Christian Mission Center. He was always delighted for Pastor and Sister Rose to visit.

He was an avid sports fan. He played on the team Laundry. He played baseball and made the All-Star Team in 1965. He also played softball and basketball. He enjoyed watching golf and tennis. His favorite teams were the Los Angles Lakers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved to wear his team’s gear while watching the games. His favorite thing to do was shoot pool with his buddies.

Butch was employed by Kansas Gas and Electric, USD #446 and Doctor Steward Crow Dentistry.

Other survivors include: a brother James M. Franklin, Of Independence, Kansas, two sisters, Margaret L. Conger (James) of Independence, Kansas, and B. Jeanette Headley of Kansas City, Missouri, two granddaughters, Chareesa D. Franklin, and Chaundra A. Franklin, three great-grandchildren, Addison Tyson, and Ava Marie, a brother-in-law, Willard L. Smith, Jr. (Cynthia) of Centennial, Colorado and a host of nieces and nephews. His parents and four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.