Richard (Dick) James Franklin, 80, died Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at his farm home north of Alliance. Dick was born July 25, 1943 to James and Phoebe (Mundt) Franklin in Alliance, Nebraska.
During his youth, the family moved to Powell, Wyoming where he graduated from Powell High School in 1960. While in Powell he met and married Sandra Decker on June 1, 1963. From Powell, they moved to Bowman, ND and Dillion, MT before settling on the family farm by Berea in 1980. They had two daughters, Susan and Jane and were married 48 years until her death in 2011.
Dick worked for the Nebraska Department of Roads for 29 years before retiring in 2010 to continue farming until 2022. Dick enjoyed rock hounding, woodworking and watching his grandchildren compete in events.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy and his parents.
Dick is survived by brother Jack, his two daughters; Susan (Tracy) Elliott of Cheyenne, WY and Jane (Jim) Gates of Worland, WY, his four grandchildren; Lauren (Enrique) Onate of Pauls Valley, OK, Ross (Ryanna Padilla) Elliott of Greeley, CO, Carmen Elliott and Hunter (Cami) Elliott both of Cheyenne. Dick is also survived by his companion, Sandy Kling, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty and Pete Rauch of Monett, MO and his sister-in-law Mary Jo Decker of Powell, WY, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be Saturday January, 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, January 26, from 3 to 7 pm at Bates-Gould Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given to the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department, 315 Cheyenne Ave, Alliance, NE 69301 or a charity of the donor’s choice.