Omar Franklin Dr.

Omar Franklin Omar Franklin was born in Greeley, Colorado, on May 26, 1930 and went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 27, 2012. Omar, also known as "Doc," lived his life in service to others. He began his medical career in 1962 and continued serving others for 50 years through his gifts of healing and humor. Omar met his beloved wife, Ann Kocher Newhard, at the Colorado State College of Education at Greeley, Colorado, and they were married two years later on June 7, 1954 in Kingsville, Texas. Omar had joined the Navy in 1952 and was a Lieutenant JG. He flew the S2F Sub Hunter-Killer aircraft off the aircraft carrier, Princeton. Omar loved flying airplanes, but his dream was to be a medical doctor. He was honorably discharged in 1958 and entered medical school at University of Colorado. After his graduation, he began his medical residency at Gorgas Hospital in Panama, Canal Zone. Omar and his wife, Ann, returned to Colorado three years in a row so they could adopt their children, Ellen, Lori, and John. In 1968, Omar, Ann, and their children relocated to Visalia, CA where "Doc" Franklin opened his private family medical practice. In addition to serving on many medical boards, he was President of the Medical Staff for Kaweah Delta District Hospital in 1982-1983. He was also a faculty member of the University of California San Francisco Medical School from 1976-1992. During this time he hosted and taught medical students and resident physicians. "Doc" Franklin loved volunteering medical care for a variety of different community organizations. Near his heart was the Visalia Rescue Mission. He began working with them in the mid-1980's and faithfully served them until his death. He also volunteered for various other mission organizations such as the Celebrant Singers and loved getting the teams ready to travel overseas. He is well known for all the shots he gave to everyone who needed them. Even after "Doc" formally retired in 1994, he continued to serve others spreading love, compassion, and healing to all who knew him. In addition to being a doctor, Omar loved music and playing his horns. He is often remembered for his appearances at Visalia Recreation Department Little League games where he "tooted" his horn to the delight of spectators of all ages while he watched his son play baseball. Omar loved the Lord Jesus with all his heart. He and Ann have been members of the Gateway Church (formally First Baptist Church) for over 35 years. He was a devoted member of the church music ministry and loved playing his horn in the church orchestra and collecting the music for the entire orchestra every single week. Omar is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Franklin, his daughters Ellen Gutierrez and Lori Irvine and their husbands, Marvin and David, his son, John Franklin and his wife Liza. Omar treasured his seven grandchildren: Eric, Jessica, Michelle, Nicole, Ann, Tim, and Rebecca. A service celebrating "Doc" Franklin's life will be held at Gateway Church, 1100 S. Sowell St. on Sunday, July 1 at 2:00pm. Please wear bright colors in celebration of "Doc's" life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Visalia Rescue Mission, 500 E. Race, Visalia, CA or to Gateway Church Music Program 1100 South Sowell, Visalia, CA. Condolences may be offered at www.millerchapel.com.