James David Franklin, 86, passed away at home on October 17, 2025, cared for with love by his family—just as he wished.

Born and raised in the rolling hills of northeast Missouri, David’s life was deeply rooted in the place he always called home. The youngest of five siblings—Billie Jean, Kenneth, Bonnie, and Patsy Sue, all of whom preceded him in death—he built a life marked by hard work, laughter, and deep devotion to his family.

David grew up in the small town of Milan, Missouri, surrounded by family. Despite the hardship of losing his father when he was just 12 years old, and all the challenges that came with it, he always said he had the very best childhood—thanks to the love and support of family and life in a town where everyone knew and cared for one another. His mother, Ona, worked tirelessly to provide for her children while also caring for his sister Bonnie, who lived with spina bifida. His oldest sister, Billie, became a second mother to him, raising him right alongside her own children. His brother, Kenneth, made sure David had what he needed—clothes, shoes, and encouragement to keep showing up for school. David and his sister Patsy shared countless stories and the same twinkle in their eyes. Listening to the two of them tell stories together was always a treat.

The stories of his childhood were his favorites to tell—tales that sounded as if they’d been lifted straight from the pages of Tom Sawyer. Near the end of his life, when asked which story he loved most, he would always say “the story of the three hills”—the hill where he and his siblings grew up, the one to the west where his grandparents lived, and the church on the hill just beyond that. It was more than geography; it was the landscape of David’s soul—his life’s defining story.

After high school, David spent time in California with his sister Patsy before taking the train to Kansas City to live near his brother Kenneth, where they joined their sister Billie working in the drapery business. David later went on to start his own company, which he ran for more than 35 years with the help of his sons, Brent and Todd; his daughter-in-law, Cheryl; and his wife, Gail. Family members worked alongside him through the years, and he treated everyone—family or not—as one of his own.

But David’s most important role in life was “Dad.” Having grown up without his own father, he cherished the time he spent with his children—fishing in bass tournaments, hunting, going to the lake, and spending weekends at the Franklin family farm. Those were the places where he passed down his appreciation for family, storytelling, and the simple joys of life.

David often said the greatest gift life gave him was living long enough to watch his children raise children of their own. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing his passions with them—songs special to him on long drives, time in a deer stand, catching fish, riding ATVs, or sitting together around the fire at the farm. Watching them brought him pure joy.

He cherished his fishing and hunting adventures, from early mornings on the farm to far-reaching trips across the West—Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Montana—each journey filled with laughter, stories, and friendship.

In his retirement years, David most enjoyed quiet weekends at the farm with friends, family and his wife, Gail. Together, they found comfort in simple moments—time with their special neighbors, visits with cousins, and the peace of being together.

David leaves a lasting legacy of love, loyalty, and family—rooted deeply in the land that shaped him. For generations to come, his family will continue to gather under the big oak tree on his northeast Missouri farm—where laughter, storytelling, and connection have always thrived. It is there, on the land he loved so dearly, that his ashes will be scattered.

David is survived by his wife, Gail; three children, Brent (Susie) Franklin, Todd (Cheryl) Franklin, and Tara (Brad) Houx; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and many treasured aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation and memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 23, in the Wesley Chapel at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.

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