"Franklin is Takin' it With Him"

Rev. Joe Dan Franklin, Kari's Pepapa (grandpa), passed away on February 5, 2010, at the age of 80.

One of his many statements concerning death was "Franklin is takin' it with him." He would joke that at his funeral he wanted a u-haul truck to follow the hearse with a sign on it that said, "Franklin is takin' it with him," and than he would laugh a great big laugh. He was a man who loved to joke, give people a hard time, loved people and the Lord passionately.

Rev. Joe Dan served as pastor at several churches in Central and East Texas and Louisiana. One of my favorite sermons he shared with me was simply, "Love." He described to me that the Lord had laid on his heart to get up and just say, "love," to the congregation. What a powerful message; one that I will never forget.

Rev. Joe Dan was married to Mary Lou and had five wonderful children: Martha, Danny, Becky, Ruth and John; many many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, February 7, at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station. A funeral service is set for 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 8, at First Baptist Church of College Station.

Thanks for all your prayers. God Bless.