A Private Family Graveside Service will be held for Bobby Neil Franklin, age 85, of Ruston, LA.  Rev. Bob Deich will officiate the service under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Mr. Franklin was born on September 25, 1935, in Lincoln Parish and passed away on November 22, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert I and Sarah Franklin; one brother, Maurice and his sister and her husband, Eloise and Eugene Wilson.

Mr. Franklin graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute with a B.A. degree. He attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and earned a MS Degree from Louisiana State University.

Following his graduation, he worked in music ministry and later pastored several churches in North Louisiana.  After retiring from active pastoral work, he began a career as a Psychiatric Counselor at the Shreveport Mental Health Center. Later, he would work as a supervisor for the Department.  At this time he placed LSU social worker interns with supervisors, enabling them to meet graduate school requirements.

Mr. Franklin was a very active member of Grace Methodist Church in Ruston.  He served on various committees, taught Sunday school and was an active member of the Friendship Club.

Mr. Franklin regularly visited individuals who resided in local nursing homes.  He was an advocate on behalf of the mentally and physically challenged. He worked to secure adequate services and programs for their needs.

Mr. Franklin is survived by his nephew Larry Wilson and wife Sandy; his niece Lindy Waltman and husband Bill (all formerly of Ruston) now residing in Shreveport.  He also had two great nephews; Ben Wilson and wife Miranda, Brandon Waltman and wife Molly; two great nieces Brooke Chapman and Shelbie Waltman; three great, great nieces Blair Wilson, Georgia Claire Chapman and Emmy Waltman; and one great, great nephew Lucas Waltman.

The family would like to express thanks to Premier Hospice and the staff at Ruston Nursing and Rehab Center, especially Ms. Stringfellow for her care and thoughtfulness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Methodist Children’s Home, 904 Deville Street, Ruston, LA  71270.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.