Tommy W. Franklin, 55, of Parsons, formerly of Altamont, died Thursday, June 7, 2012, at his home.

He was born April 30, 1957, in Webb City, Mo., to John E. and Fern Evelyn (Blackburn) Franklin. He grew up in Webb City until moving to Oswego, where he attended school and was a 1975 graduate of Oswego High School. 

He worked at Columbian TecTank in Parsons for 28 years and was employed by Labette County.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 69 in Altamont. He enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were very dear to him.

He married Debbie Lee. They later divorced.

He married Johnia Brown. They later divorced.

Survivors include a father, John E. Franklin of Labette; a daughter, Melanie Merrick and her husband, David, of Independence; five adoring grandchildren, Olivia, Davis, Carson, Dylan and Kate; three brothers, Bernard Franklin and his wife, Barbara, of Labette, Eugene Franklin and his wife, Sally, of Carl Junction, Mo., and Darrell Franklin and his wife, Kim, of Oswego; two sisters, Pam Eichhorn and Patricia Wary, both of Raymore, Mo.; numerous nieces and nephews; and his companion, Judy Moore of the home.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Fern Franklin; and a sister, Jody Beery.

Following cremation, the service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Tommy Franklin Memorial Fund to be used to buy playground equipment at the city of Altamont lake. They may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, 67330.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.