Paul A. Franklin, 76, of St. Mary died Jan. 6, 2024, at his home. Mr. Franklin was retired from Monsanto Corporation and was a former member of the Board of Aldermen for the city of St. Mary. He served in the U. S. Army, was a Vietnam veteran and was a member of VFW Post 3777 in Festus. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, as well as multiple qualification badges. He loved spending time with his family, friends, neighbors and feline rescues. Born Aug. 17, 1947, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Felix "Bud" Franklin and Lorraine Burch Franklin. He was the stepson of the late J. Maxine Franklin.
He is survived by two sons: Gary (Maria) Franklin of Godfrey, Ill., and Damion Franklin of Festus; four grandchildren: Amanda Everitt, Hunter Franklin, Hayden Franklin and Chloe Franklin; one great-granddaughter: Bryar Rose Everitt; a brother: Robert (Elena) Franklin of Mountain View, Calif.; two sisters: Denise (Dean) McFarland and Diana (Kim) Siebert of Festus; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother: James “Jim” Franklin; and two sisters: Jan (the late Frank) Politte and Cheryl Franklin.
Graveside services were held Jan. 10th at Kaskaskia Cemetery in Kaskaskia, Ill. Arrangements were under the direction of Basler Funeral Home in Ste. Genevieve.