H. Joe Franklin

H. Joe Franklin, 89, died in his home in Pampa on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. Private graveside services will be Sunday at the Franklin Ranch, with Rev. Thacker Haynes pastor of United Methodist Church of McLean, officiating. Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM Monday, December 1, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Pampa, with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor, and Herb Smith, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Franklin was born October 25, 1925 in Amarillo, the fifth of six sons of Dr. Oliver Morris and Anne Ohlsen Franklin. He attended Amarillo schools for 12 years, graduating from Amarillo High School in 1944. From the time Franklin was 12, he cowboyed during the summers on the ranches of Hal Medford, sales manager of the Franklin Serum Company. On August 2, 1947, he married Virginia Louise Walker, a classmate at AHS. On May 27, 1949, they had a son, Richard Lawrence. Their daughter, Jean Anne was born on April 27, 1951. Franklin graduated from Texas A&M University in the summer of 1949. He, his wife and son moved to Gray County where he leased from his brothers the grazing rights to the Franklin Brothers Ranch which he and they owned east of Lefors. In 1974, he, his daughter and son formed Cantonment Cattle Company to ranch, feed cattle and raise Quarter Horses. Franklin was active in the operation until his death. Franklin, with his wife Louise, joined First Baptist Church in Pampa in 1950. He was a member of Everyman’s Sunday school class and the church up until his death. Franklin had been awarded three U. S. Patents; one that limited grain feeding to quail; one that prevented wastage of hay feed to horses; and one in domestic irrigation. Through an entity known as Franklin Brothers, Franklin and various of his brothers had invested in hydrocarbons, banking and manufacturing. His philanthropy leaned heavily to Christian causes and education. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 54 years Louise; and his brothers John Oliver, Paul Edward and James Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is survived by his son, Larry; his daughter, Jeanie McComas and husband Mike; his granddaughter, Katy Magee and husband Destry and great-grandson, Jack; his grandson Matt McComas and wife Katie; his brothers, Dr. Theodore Eugene and William Frederick; a sister-in-law, Mrs. James B. (Yvonne) Franklin; along with several nieces and nephews. If inclined, memorial possibilities include, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, 2503 4th Ave., Canyon, Texas 79016, Faith City Mission, 401 SE 2nd, Amarillo, Texas 79101, or Frost Street Ministry, 600 N. Frost, Pampa, Texas 79065.