George (Alan) Franklin, 77, of Morrisonville, died on Sunday, April 5, 2020, surrounded by his family.
A private graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a future time. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Franklin was born on May 27, 1942, in Taylorville, to Galen and Ruth Franklin. He married Bonny (Leinen)on Aug. 10, 1968, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage before she preceded him in death.
Mr. Franklin was raised on his family’s farm and attended school in Morrisonville. He joined the US Air Force, where he was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base and served as a chaplain’s assistant in Vietnam. After his time in active duty, Mr. Franklin joined the 183rd Air National Guard where he retired as a first sergeant.
After returning from Vietnam, he attended Illinois State University where he earned his bachelors of science degree in agriculture with a teaching certificate.
Mr. Franklin had many careers, and in each he surrounded himself with family, including farming with his brothers,selling insurance with his sister and working at the Illinois State Fair with his daughters and nephew. Mr. Franklin eventually retired as a school teacher to become a full-time grandparent.
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin were “team teachers,” dancing partners and travelers; they traveled across the US and Europe. The Franklins lived on the Leinen Centennial Farm in in Christian County all of their married life. They were proud parents and Mr. Franklin often boasted about having attended so many school activities for his girls, and later for his beloved grandchildren. Mr. Franklin loved horses and shared that love with his daughters and grandchildren.
He was an active member of his community who, according to his family, never met a stranger. Mr. Franklin was a member of the Morrisonville United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee. He was a Shriner, Mason and member of Eastern Star. Mr. Franklin was part of the Morrisonville American Legion and VFW Post #755, where he coordinated weekly dances and a New Year’s Eve ball. He also served as a volunteer EMT in Morrisonville.
Mr. Franklin is survived by his daughters, Alana Sue Franklin and Alison (Ryan)Jacobs; grandchildren, Meana and Mason Jacobs; siblings, Cheri (Royce) VanGerpen, Shirley Jones and Galen Lee (Elaine) Franklin; and 20 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister, Donna; and brother, Richard.
Memorials may be made to the Morrisonville Food Pantry and Morrisonville Ambulance in his honor.
Online condolences to the family may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
