Eugene Clifton Franklin Jr

Eugene Clifton Franklin JR was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Eugene Clifton Franklin SR and Pauline Hill Franklin on September 19, 1934. He passed from this life on July 14, 2019 in Muskogee. Cliff was preceded in death by his father E.C. Franklin Sr., his mother Pauline Franklin, his brother Charles Franklin, and his sister Martha Janet Tubbs. Cliff is survived by his wife of 65 years and 9 months, Diamond Franklin of Fort Gibson; sons, Ernie and wife Cheryl Franklin of Fort Gibson, Robbie and wife Kathie Franklin of Lantana, Texas; three grandchildren, Madison Franklin, Nathan Franklin, and Rachel Franklin; many nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends. He was a lifelong member of Grace Episcopal Church. He attended Muskogee High School graduating in 1952. In 1953, Cliff married the love of his life, Diamond O’Dell. Cliff enlisted in the US Navy in 1953. He served in communications for 22 years and during that time span he served in Vietnam in the mid 50’s, the Submarine Service during the Cold War, and on board the USS Midway in the early 70’s during the Vietnam War. During his time in the service the family moved to Texas, California, Hawaii, Virginia, Maine, Philippines, and finally moved back to Oklahoma, where Cliff retired in 1975 after rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Cliff was a 32nd degree Mason and the Worshipful Master of the Pinatubo Zambales Lodge #52 in the Philippines. After retiring from the Navy, Cliff worked for Daniel Construction and help build the Fort Howard Paper Company. He also worked for Beacon Construction as project manager for different phases of the OG&E Power Plant Expansion. Cliff worked delivering cars for Terry Miller Pontiac/GMC for several years and finished his fulltime working career with H&R Block preparing tax returns. Cliff loved to scuba dive, hunt, fish, boat, pop fireworks, and especially spending time with his grandchildren. He loved to raise Limousin cattle and had a great deal of help from his best friend Ron McNear. He was a very loving husband, father, and Grandpa/Papaw who will be greatly missed. Our faith in God helps us through these times with the realization we will see him again. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson with family receiving friends 5PM-7PM. Services for Cliff will be 11AM Friday, July 19, 2019 at the Grace Episcopal Church in Muskogee with Father Bob Wickizer officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery with Robbie Franklin, Ernie Franklin, Nathan Franklin, Joe Mounts, Ron McNear and Doyle Gustus serving as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Growing of Grace Ministry at 218 North 6th St Muskogee, OK 74401. The family of Eugene Clifton Franklin JR has entrusted his services and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Eugene Clifton Franklin Jr

September 19, 1934 - July 14, 2019