Louis Franklin, Jr.

Louis Jerome Franklin Jr., formerly of Uvalde, passed away in Houston on June 22, 2018 at the age of 77.

Louis was born in Uvalde on July 9, 1940, to Marguerite (McMains) and Louis Jerome Franklin Sr.

Louis married the love of his life, Sharon Rebecca 'Becky' (Blackstone), on September 5, 1964 in Uvalde. Thirteen months later they welcomed their first son. After leaving Uvalde, Louis and his family moved between Houston and San Antonio for a few years. In 1971, while in Houston, Louis and Becky welcomed a second son. Eventually, the family settled in a home on the outskirts of northwest Houston, where Louis and Becky have spent the past 40+ years together.

Raised in Uvalde, Louis graduated from Uvalde High School in 1958. He studied chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin from 1960-1963. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete his degree at that time. In the early 1970s, Louis went back to school at night while working during the day to finish his education. He started at Houston Baptist University, then transferred to the University of Houston, where he earned degrees in chemistry and mathematics. He applied his education and skills as a chemist in the oil and gas industry for more than 45 years.

Louis was a loving husband and father. He was also an outgoing and amiable person who never met a stranger. He frequently engaged people he had just met in rousing conversations, making new friends with ease.

One of Louis' great passions was singing. His beautiful, deep, booming voice was a pleasure to many. He often sang in the church choir, first at the Church of Christ in Uvalde, where he lead the congregation on numerous occasions, and later at Central Presbyterian Church in Houston. During the past few years, he and Becky spent many a night singing at a local karaoke venue where Louis was a crowd favorite.

Louis is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Becky; sons, Louis Jerome Franklin III and wife, Laura, of Denver, Colorado, and Steven Elliott Franklin and wife, Jennifer, of Austin; sister, Ann Molloy and husband, Jack, of Uvalde; grandchildren, Andrew Sebastian Franklin and Carol Renee Duran; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A viewing will be held Friday, June 29 from 1 to 9 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary, 220 S Getty, Uvalde, TX 78801.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 30 at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary with burial following in Uvalde Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Louis (Trip) Franklin III, Steven Franklin, Andrew Franklin, Carol Franklin Duran, Michael Crawford, and Dr. Sumit Guha. Honorary pallbearers will be Patrick Crawford and Patrick Guha.

Visitation

RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary
220 S. Getty St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Friday, June 29, 2018
1:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary
220 S. Getty St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Saturday, June 30, 2018
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Hillcrest Cemetery
1300 W. Main
Uvalde, TX  78801