Vernon L. Franklin, age 84 of Purcell, passed away Saturday, November 22, 2014. Vernon was born February 21, 1930 in Seminole, OK to parents, Floyd Henry Franklin and Neora (Edens) Franklin.

He was raised in Wewoka and attended Wewoka schools, graduating in 1948. Vernon then attended Oklahoma A. & M. in Stillwater for 2 years where he joined the Oklahoma National Guard, and eventually the United States Army. Vernon served his country proudly during the Korean War. He often recounted his days spent in the Demilitarized Zone. He returned home and married his best friend and true love, Patricia Ann Sutter, on February 2, 1952 in Ada. They started their life together in New York City until he was discharged from the army in October of 1953. They quickly settled in Ada, where Vernon returned to school. He later graduated from East Central University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. Through their 57 years of marriage they raised five children. Vernon began working in the oil field to support his young family. He spent more than 15 years working for The Western Company and later Baker Oil Tools. During this time, they lived in various states including Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and West Virginia. In 1970, Vernon and Pat moved to Wayne, OK where Vernon began teaching math and science and was the assistant football coach for Wayne Schools. In 1974, they settled in Purcell, and Vernon began teaching in Wanette.

He retired in 1995 after more than 21 years of dedicated service. Vernon had many interests and believed that sharing his many talents could help others. He enjoyed gardening and fishing and was an avid sports fan, especially the Dallas Cowboys. He was a gifted artist who enjoyed wood working and whittling and building model planes and trains. He had a passion for photography and never missed a good game of dominos. Vernon cherished his family, was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Purcell and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He will be dearly missed!

He was preceded in death by: His wife, Pat Franklin; His parents, Floyd and Neora Franklin; 2 sisters, Elma Guernsey and Elene Hillier and 1 brother, L. O. “Pete” Franklin.

Vernon leaves behind: 2 sons, Vernon Franklin Jr and wife Connie of Kilgore, TX and Carl Franklin and wife Christie of Swamp Branch, KY; 3 Daughters, Lynann Mooney of Moore, Pamela Sue Ward and husband Scott of OKC and Carolea Franklin of OKC; 1 brother, Leonard Franklin of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX; 3 sisters, Jackie Roach of Shawnee, Joan Currie of Edmond and Jeanette Richardson of The Villages, FL; 9 grandchildren, Leo Mooney III, Tamra Mooney, Amanda (Ward) Hogue, Cassie Franklin, Michelle (Ward) Barnes, Jacob Franklin, Noah Franklin, Mariah Franklin, Aaron Tyree; 4 great grandchildren, Yancee Lyles, Morgan Franklin, Checotah Castleberry and Eleanor Hogue; and a host of other family and friends.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Monday, November 24, 2014 from 6-8:00 P.M. Memorial Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 25, 2014, at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell.