Obituary of Travis M. Franklin

Funeral services for Travis M. Franklin will be Saturday, October 23, 2010, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Golden Funeral Home, with burial in Helton Cemetery, Booneville, AR. Travis died Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Mer Rouge after a long illness in the arms of his beloved Shoney. Travis was 77 years old. He was born September 24, 1933 in Bastrop, LA to Travis Cleo and Dorothy Boyer Franklin. Travis was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jerry Moffett; and his beloved dog, "Sugar". Travis is survived by his wife, Shoney of Mer Rouge; two daughters, Trudy Franklin Cantu of Amarillo, TX, Terri Franklin Klock of Fritch, TX; one son, Jerry "Buster" Franklin of Canadian, TX; one step-son Michael Turpin of Virginia Beach, VA; son-in-law, John H. Lovell of Amarillo, TX; two sisters, Cleo Ann Franklin of Toledo, OH, Phyllis Moffett Crain of Swartz, LA; one brother, Jack Moffett of Bossier City, LA; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; "daughter", Tracy Kitchell; special friends, Tex Skow of Senatobia, MS, Al and "Boo" Blake of Olive Branch, MS; Tony and Sue Smith, Hank and June Reeves of Mer Rouge, LA; "best buddy" Bobby Clingan of Collinston, LA; also his "Kids" Mollie, Sandie and Maggie May. Travis loved life and laughter and especially his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was saved November 3, 1964 in Little Rock, AR. Serving the Lord for many years in Memphis, TN and at Horseshoe Baptist Church, Mer Rouge. Travis was a professional sign painter for over 40 years. He loved the sign business. He owned and operated Franklin Sign Co. in Memphis, TN for over 25 years before retiring to Horseshoe Lake in Mer Rouge. Travis was a 32nd degree Mason for 38 years. He was past Master of McLemore Ave. Masonic Lodge in Memphis, TN. A 38 year member of Memphis Scottish Rite. A 25 member of AL Chymia Shrine Temple in Memphis before transfering membership to Barak Shrine Temple in Monroe, LA. He was president of Morehouse Shrine Club, Bastrop,LA. Amember of Oakville Chapter OES, Memphis and dual member of Mer Rouge Chapter OES. Travis will be remembered for the thousands of smiles that he brought to children of all ages as he and "Sugar" worked the Barak Shrine Circus and the many parades all over Northeast Louisiana. Visitation will be held Friday, October 22, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. at Golden Funeral Home.