Franklin Dee White

Franklin Dee White, age 77, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on November 6, 2025. He was born on January 30, 1948, in Artussee, Oklahoma.

Franklin is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Diana Lois White; and his three children: Danny White (Melissa), Robby White (Brittany), and Amy Smith (Allen),  who reside in Houston, Texas; Dibble, Oklahoma; and Blanchard, Oklahoma, respectively.

He is also survived by his siblings: Loretta Wiles, Mike White, Connie White-Lovett, and Terri White-McKinnon.

Franklin leaves behind 13 grandchildren, whom he dearly loved: Ashley White, Cory Smith, Haley Brown, Kayla Armstrong, Bryce McElhaney, Dalton White, Colin White, Presley White Rutherford, Maddy White, Marley White, Max White, Mayce Jo White, and Marshall White.

He is also survived by his cherished great-grandchildren: Cortni Smith, Tinley Brown, Baylor Brown, Benjamin McElhaney, Axden Armstrong, Aria Armstrong, and Archer Mae Rutherford.

Franklin fondly remembered his upbringing in Artussee, living on what he called “the mountain” with his parents, DJ White and Dorma Lee White, and his siblings. He often recalled walking to school barefoot while carrying his lunch in his Ms. Tucker’s lard can, held together with a strip of bailing wire. Though life was hard, he described it as simple and meaningful.

Franklin once said, “I thought I did alright in life, I might have done better. That’s pretty good for a boy who walked to school barefoot every day.”

“It’s one of those things you kind of hate and you kind of love. I still think I came out alright instead of looking down on people. Made me want to strive more, I think.”

He believed those early years made him who he was—tough, hardworking, and full of love for his family.

Franklin was a proud graduate of the class of 1966 at Blanchard High School.

The only thing that came close to his love for his family was his dedicated work of nearly 40 years at BJ’s Oilfield Construction in Blanchard, where he worked alongside his longtime best friend, brother-in-law and business partner, Billy Graham.

More than anything, Franklin enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They truly were his world.

Franklin placed his faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in 1975.

He will be dearly missed and forever loved.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, November 10, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Blanchard.  Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home.  Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.