Gillis Willard Franklin Obituary (1933

Gillis Willard Franklin, 71 of Shell Knob, MO formerly of Edinburg, IL died at 6:15 am Sunday, July 31, 2005 in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, MO. He was born December 4, 1933 in Marissa, IL the son of Jesse and Grace Kline Franklin. On July 3, 1952 he married Helen Miller Franklin in Edinburg, IL. Mr. Franklin was a member of the First Baptist Church of Shell Knob, MO, a former member of the Lions Club and the Masonic Lodge. He retired from Georgia Pacific in Taylorville after 30 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Helen of Shell Knob, MO; Sons: Stephen Franklin and wife Darlene of Edinburg, IL and Doug Franklin of Cullman, AL; Daughter: Denise Weitekamp and husband Jack of Morrisonville, IL; Brother: Tom Franklin and wife Lucille of Taylorville, IL; Sister: Sharon Turner and husband Bill of Taylorville, IL; 5 Grandchildren: Heather Bender and husband Andy of Springfield, IL, Stephanie Franklin and Melissa Franklin of Edinburg, IL, John Weitekamp and DeAnn Weitekamp both of Morrisonville, IL and 2 Great Grandchildren: Graham Bender and Lydia Bender both of Springfield, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 brothers, Michael Franklin and Billy Franklin. Graveside services will be at 10 am Thursday, August 4, 2005 at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Taylorville. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday, August 3 at McClure Funeral Home, Taylorville, IL.