Franklin, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on September 23, 2016 after a valiant year-long battle against cancer. He was the youngest of 10 children born in Pike Co., KY. and grew up in the Ashland, KY area. He was a Naval Aviator for 5 years and flew the P2V airplane all over the world. He graduated from Purdue University with an Aeronautical Engineering degree and retired after a successful 33-year career at McDonnell Douglas. His interests included travel, golf, bridge, and spending time with his extended family. A lifelong Christian, he was a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Ellisville. Survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Virginia Irwin Roberts, and three children: Julie Dawn Bell (John), Kyle Irwin Roberts (Suzanne) and Mark Gregory Roberts (Barb); and 8 grandchildren. Services: Funeral service at First Baptist Church Ellisville, 137 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gideon’s International, 437 Gabriel Dr., Kirkwood, MO 63122.