Verl “Shorty” Franklin, 72, of Hortense, formerly of Waynesville, died Thursday, June 5, 2014, at his residence. A graveside funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2014, at Omega Cemetery. Rev. Joseph L. Crumley will officiate with burial to follow. Billy Wayne Franklin, Tony Franklin, Buddy Franklin, Billy “Scooter” Franklin, Johnny Wayne Franklin and Howard “Jr” Bare will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 8, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of the service at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Franklin was born on October 13, 1941 in Enigma and was the son of Morris Clelan Franklin and Daisy Lee Scott Franklin, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by five sisters and three brothers. He was a retired welder and an avid pool player. He also served in the National Guard.
Mr. Franklin is survived by one son, Glenn “Dale” Franklin and his fiance’, Katie Williamson of Hortense; two daughters, Heather Franklin Morgan and her husband, Lou Morgan of Abbington, Massachusetts and Michelle “Mimi” Strouth of Havarhill, Massachusetts; one sister, Katie Mae Bare of Waynesville; 14 grandchildren, Christopher Hood, Kayla Thorpe, Heather Williamson, Tanner Franklin, Ethan Franklin, Jonathan Franklin, Mark Franklin, Andrea Bare, Rob Gagnon, Mason Silver, Nicholas Goodreavit, Spencer Strouth, Catherine Morgan and Melissa Morgan; three great-grandchildren, Bradley Hood, Zaden Franklin and Sofie Thorpe; and numerous nieces and nephews.