Benjamin Franklin, Jr. was born July 24, 1945, to Benjamin Franklin, Sr. and Bernice (Spooner) Franklin in Concho, Oklahoma. Junior departed this life on March 27, 2023, in Tulsa, with his family by his side.
Junior was a proud member of the Sac & Fox Nation. He was also Absentee Shawnee, Kickapoo, and Muncie. His Native American Heritage was extremely important to him, and he proudly represented his People.
He graduated from Stroud High School with the class of 1963. Following high school, he attended Haskell Indian Junior College and began working in the diesel mechanics field. He enlisted with the United States Air Force on April 28, 1965 and was honorably discharged on April 4, 1969. He was united in marriage to Debbie Stephenson on July 8, 1971, in Chandler. To this union four children, Grant, Melissa, Kellie and Wesley, were born.
Junior was a cornerstone in the oil and gas industry in Oklahoma working for several different companies including Allied Materials in Stroud; Hudson Refinery in Cushing, OK; Sinclair Refinery in Tulsa, OK; and ARCO Gas Plant in Drumright, OK. Continuing to utilize these skills, he began working in the pipeline industry with Associated Natural Gas. He dedicated almost 50 years of his life to the oil and gas industry holding many positions and working up to management.
He grew up north of Stroud attending Only Way Baptist Church. He and Debbie were avid supporters of Cushing Athletics, providing resources via fundraisers to continue growth in various sports. Other favorite pastimes of his included watching kids and grandkids participate in various activities over the years, along with metal detecting, as his time allowed. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, with the #3 car and Dale Earnhardt (“The Intimidator”) being his favorite driver of all time. He was able to attend many races, with Talladega being his favorite track.
Survivors include his wife of almost 52 years, Debbie, of the home; children, Grant Franklin of Stillwater, Melissa Franklin of Sapulpa and Kellie Creekmore of Cushing; his sisters, Sharon Little of Shawnee, Loretta Bigbow of Yukon and Cheryl Crane of St. Cloud, Florida; grandchildren, Gabby Lantz and husband, Colbie, Daniel Franklin, Derek Franklin, Seth Creekmore, Morgan Franklin, Karsyn Creekmore and Cale Creekmore; great-grandchildren, Peyton Lantz, Lennon Lantz and Navy-Cait Creekmore; a host of other relatives and friends, including Sherry Franklin Robbins and Erik Creekmore, who were like children to him.
In addition to his parents, Junior was preceded in death by one son, Wesley Franklin; sister, Beatrice Franklin and brother, Ronnie Franklin.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Cushing with Pastor David Miller officiating. Burial followed in the Fairlawn Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of the Matherly-Davis Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family at www. matherlydavisfuneralhome.com.
