Jack Franklin

Jack Franklin, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and Christian man who loved the Lord, passed away peacefully on the family farm, April 16, 2026, at the age of 89. He was surrounded by his family who he loved. He was a lifelong resident of Moberly, Missouri, where he built a life rooted in love, hard work, and service to the Randolph County community.

Jack was born, June 27, 1936 in Rucker, Missouri, he was the son of Chester and Leone Franklin. He married Norma Jean Meals, March 29, 1956, at Enon Baptist Church in Moberly, Missouri. They were married for 52 years preceding him in death in 2008. Jack and Norma had two daughters, Debbie and Jackie. In 2010, Jack married Jo Ann West of Moberly, Missouri. They would have celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary, April 22nd of this year.

He was engaged in farming for over 70 years and took great pride in maintaining his yard. Overall, he loved the outdoors. His favorite activities included flying his airplane, riding around in “ole blue”, arrowhead and mushroom hunting, riding his bike, and antiquing. During his final months, he looked forward to his favorite sweet treats, cream horns, donut holes, and pecan rolls.

Jack graduated from Renick High School in 1954. His employment included A.B. Chance of Centralia and while living in California for a short period of time he worked for McDonnell Douglas. He served on the Commerce Bank Board of Directors for 19 years, various county and state MFA boards, the Eastern Randolph County Rural Fire Department Board, Red Cross, among many others.

Serving as the Eastern District Commissioner of Randolph County for 14 years was a great honor. During his time on the county commission, he played a key role in the building of 85 bridges across the county, helping to implement the 9-1-1 emergency system, also advocated and oversaw the construction of the new Randolph County Justice Center.

During his lifetime, he was an active member of both Timberlake Church (formerly Union Avenue Christian Church) where he served as a deacon, and he was a member of Carpenter Street Baptist Church at the time of his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Leone Franklin; his wife, Norma Jean whom he devotedly cared for during her battle with MS; and brother, Robert Franklin.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Franklin; his daughters Debbie Wiggs and her husband Keith; Jackie St. Clair and her husband Steve; grandchildren, Maridee (John) Corderman, Melissa (Michael) Anderson, Cole (Meagan) Wiggs, Casey (Rachel) Wiggs, Jason (Angela) St. Clair, and Jamie St. Clair; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Harold Franklin; and many other cherished family members and friends. Also surviving are Jo Ann Franklin’s children Ed Palumbo, Don (Aimee) Palumbo, and Brenda (Steve) Eubanks, along with several grandchildren.

He will be missed greatly for his humor and smile.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Carpenter Street Baptist Church or the Log Chapel Cemetery Association.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation held, at the Cater Funeral Home. Funeral services honoring Mr. Franklin' life were held, at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel. Committal prayer and burial took place at the Oakland Cemetery.