Rayford Dale Franklin
1959 - 2023
Rayford Dale Franklin, of Scandia, Kansas, passed away on May 15, 2023, at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 63.
He was born on July 3, 1959, to Calvin and Bertie (Meeks) Franklin in Denver, Colorado.
Rayford lived between Colorado and Texas the first half of his life, until moving to Woodston in 2000, when his mother became ill, until her death. He and Theresa decided to be together again. They raised their grandson, Brandin Franklin (Stacy’s son), which was a blessing in their lives. They stayed in Woodston until the economy sank and moved to Republic County where their daughter, Nicole, and her family lived. His grandkids were a big part of his life, and he loved them dearly.
He was a truck driver and heavy equipment operator.
Rayford was a member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed collecting and restoring Coleman lanterns. He even bought a small building and worked in it for many hours into the night, tinkering with lanterns. He also loved playing his guitar and singing—especially when the grandkids were big enough to play with him. He was in many country bands most of his life. His last band was called “The Hay Wire Band.” They played for the locals in the surrounding counties—especially in his garage in Woodston. They drew a crowd about every weekend.
He is survived by the love of his life for 23 years, Theresa Campbell of the home, and his dog, Thea (a Great Pyrenees/Lab); children, Stacy Franklin of Burleson, Texas, Nicole (Michael) Lauber of Belleville, Kansas, Allie (Andrew) Nicholson of Clemmons, N.C.; sisters, Linda Edington of Mill Creek, Okla.; Marcene (Billy) Machuca of Fort Worth, Texas; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Curtis Franklin, Larry Franklin, and Ronald Franklin; and sister, Jodean Rogers.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Woodston Cemetery in Woodston, Kansas. The family requests that you dress casually or come as you are, as Rayford wouldn’t have it any other way.
Memorials are suggested to Rayford Franklin Memorial Fund for funeral expenses and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com
