Joe Franklin (AKA Glen or Lyle) 66 of Colstrip died December 7th of natural causes. Joe was born August 29, 1947 to Glen Benjamin Franklin, and Lillian (Oltman) Franklin in Lewistown, MT. Joe and his family resided in Grass Range until 1958. He spent most of his high school years in Kansas graduating from Atwood Kansas High School in 1967.
On September 10th, 1977, he married Nancy Kate Pierce in Forest Grove, Montana. They lived in Grass Range for one year where they established their custom farming business. To this union, they were blessed with their children Molly and Hunter. Joe and Nancy farmed and ranched in the Sand Springs Jordan area for twelve years. They moved to Colstrip where Joe managed a ranch before working at Peabody Coal Mine and Western Energy. He was a member of the Colstrip Community for 20 years. Joe retired in 2010. Joe had a heart of Gold and never complained about his health issues. Joe was a wonderful father and provider for his family. He was a quiet gentleman. He was a class A Trap Shooter. Joe LOVED GUNS and spent most of his free time in his Man Cave reloading shotgun shells. Joe was an avid hunter and worked as a hunting guide for several years. Joe won high school wrestling meets, played high school football and truly enjoyed following his daughter, Molly, to all her sporting events as well as supporting local youth in sports . Joe was an excellent saddle maker craving and creating his own saddle which he kept with him no matter where he resided. He was a member of Colstrip Trap Club. When weather permitted, Joe could always be found traveling Montana trap shooting and rarely if ever did he miss in consecutively shooting 100 Clay Pigeons. Joe had a heart of gold and never complained about his health. He was a wonderful father and provider for his family. Joe was a quiet, gentle man and would help anyone at any time.
Joe and Nancy divorced in February of this year and Joe married Deeanna Williams, June 8, 2013.
Joe is survived by his daughter Molly (Brandon) Douglas of Laurel Montana grandchildren Riley, Caden, Gracen and baby Avery Rose (April 2014), Son, Hunter Franklin of Billings. Special hunting/fishing/reloading shells buddy, Sarah Williams. Along with Deeanna’s other daughter Sammars (Jacob), and Jon Simpson (Liz) of Missoula. Joe was preceded in death by both parents, brother Oral, and sister, Glenice.
Joe leaves behind his wife of 35 years (Nancy), his present wife, (Deeanna), a dear and loyal friend, Dan Fields, his prospective business partner and special nephew, Trampis Heble and Trampis’ mother, Carol, and numerous nieces and nephews .
Joe will always be remembered as being a good man with a kind soul. He would never turn down anybody who needed a helping hand. He will truly be missed by all the people he touched while he was here on earth.
His Funeral service will be held 12:00 pm Wednesday December 18, 2013 at the Life’s Journey Church in Colstrip, MT. Private burial will be held after the service.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son that whomever believes in him, shall not perish, but will have everlasting life.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 pm
Wednesday December 18, 2013
Lifes Journey Church
Colstrip, MT 59323
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 pm
Wednesday December 18, 2013
Lifes Journey Church
Colstrip, MT 59323
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Ron & Becky Stanton & Iris Spence says
Nancy and children,
I am so sorry to hear about Joe. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Joe was always a treat to visit with and had such a kind heart and way about him. He will be missed greatly.
Julie strobel says
Nancy and kids so sorry to hear of your loss prayers are for you Nancy and your children and grandchildren
Debbie Skiles says
Nancy, Hunter, Molly and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please contact me and let me know what I can do. Love you all, Debbie
Mary Beth Kibler says
Nancy, Molly, Hunter and family, May memories of good times fill your heart and bring you peace. I’m thinking of you at this difficult time. Love, Mary Beth & Myron
Pam and Pete Simonich says
Dear Nancy, Hunter, Molly, Brandon, Riley and Caden. Know that God will be holding you in his hands during this difficult time. We send our condolences and prayers. Take each day at a time and God will guide you. Sincerely, Pam and Pete
coralei kluver says
Nancy, Molly, Hunter and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss . I love you all. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Mary Siewert says
Nancy, Hunter, Molly and Family,
Wrapping you in prayer during this difficult time! Our sincere condolences!!
Sincerely Mike, Mary and Keri Siewert
Willowa Heppner says
Nancy, Molly, Hunter and Family,
Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, may the Lord wrap you in his arms with comfort during this time of sorrow. My sincere condolences to you all.
Lori and Bob Good says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time.
Corrie Barrett says
Nancy, Molly and Hunter: I was sadden to hear of Joe’s passing, may our Lord and Savior keep you all close and wrapped in love, prayers and thoughts of all those around you at this time. I will be keeping you very close in thought and lifting you up in my prayers.
Dana Bartlett says
So sorry Deeanna, May His peace cover you in this time of sadness. You also have a kind loving heart. God bless you, Sammers, Sarah, and Jon.
Jenny Small says
Deeanna, you may have been married only a few months but you did in deed get married and it could only be for one reason because he found his soul mate in you, my heart goes out to his children and ex wife but you got to have some memories of your own and that you hold on to. Also you were his wife and partner and in your pictures you both looked so happy and in love, I’ve LOVED you and your girls from the first time I met you guys, One Day At A Time Deeanna, It never get’s easier but it will get better sorry for everybody’s loss but you are the one who is going to have to go to the house you two shared and walk through those doors alone and I’m so so so very sorry for that, praying that god comforts and protects you ….sincerely Jenny Small
Judy Purdon says
Deeanna so sorry for your loss
Paul Burckhard says
Deeanna, Sam and Sarah My sympathies and prayers for you in this time of grief
Cindy (Wancura) Trenkle says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends. He was a sweet guy even in grade school. I was saddened to read of his passing in our local paper, “The Rawlins County Square Deal.” I will always remember his smile and friendly attitude toward everyone. I graduated a few years behind him in school.