Kerman Gene “K. G.” Franklin

October 12, 1932 – March 2, 2020

Kerman G. Franklin, better known as K.G., passed away on March 2, 2020. He was 87 years old. K.G. was born in Red Rock, Oklahoma on October 12, 1932, the eighth of twelve children, to Gerald W. and Golden Ruby (nee Clifton) Franklin.

K.G. was raised in Perry Oklahoma, and graduated from Perry High School in 1950. He enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard that same year and served in Korea in the 42nd Infantry until his discharge in 1952.

After his military service, he moved to California, where he met the love of his life, Virginia Odom. They were married October 11, 1952, and had four children, Gene, Susie, Patty and Sandy.

K.G. spent most of his career with Standard Oil and then Chevron Chemical. He retired in 1990, but continued on as a part-time consultant in the industry for many years. K.G. and Virginia retired to Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1990, where he resided until his death.

K.G.’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, golfing, and spending time with his wife and kids, and brothers and sisters. K.G. was thrilled with the birth of his first grandchild in 1981, and doted on all fifteen of his grandchildren. He taught his grandkids to garden, fish, and camp, activities he loved so much.

During K.G.’s years in Edmond, Oklahoma, he was a very active member of the Kickingbird Golf Course Senior Men’s League, serving as President of the club for several years. He made many lifetime friends at Kickingbird, and cherished those friendships throughout his life.

K.G. is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Franklin, his children Gene Franklin and wife Tina, Susie Schwager and husband Earl, Patty Rippon and husband Steve, and Sandra Burkey. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sara Troeger, Nicole Morris, Rachel Hurd, Katherine Nieuwsma, Jill Macik, Zach Franklin, Caitlin Walsh, Grace Ann Vrazo, Alyssa Payton, Essie Barnes, Samuel Franklin, William Franklin, Peter Franklin, Andrew Franklin, and Molly Franklin, along with eighteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Pauline Jackson, JoAnn Freeman and Rose Silva, and brothers Blick Franklin and John Franklin.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 12:00 pm at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S Kelly, Edmond, OK, with burial to follow at Jones Cemetery, Jones, Oklahoma. Visitation will take place Friday, March 6, 2020, at Matthews Funeral Home. The health and well being of all children was K.G.’s passion. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.