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Franklin King Obituary
Franklin was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. He graduated from Pocatello High School where he was an exceptional athlete who lettered in three sports. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Kansas, where he received a degree in business. During his years in Idaho, he was an active member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
Franklin's Love for football carried him far. He played both college and professional ball, serving as captain of the Toronto Argonauts and leading the team to victory in the 1983 CFL Grey Cup. Beyond athletics, he was known for his faith, his devotion to Christ, and the way he shared God's Love through kindness and generosity to everyone he met.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank King; his mother, Ventrolla King; and his sister, Evonne Hudson. He is survived by his wife, Sylwavion King; daughters, Jennifer King and Stephanie New; son-in-law, Kyle New; and his grandchildren, Austin, Aubrey, and Ashton.
A memorial service will be held in Flower Mound, Texas, on October 18, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support his wife though the family's GoGundMe page at https://gofund.me/9da5c1009
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Franklin King
Trish
October 6, 2025
Awe ... Franklin ... what a special soul !! Added to many of a special memory !! Because of your faith in Jesus ... we will see you again and catch up on all of Gods Blessings he gave us down here !!
Prayers for your family
Glenda R Hill
October 4, 2025
Family Reunion Moro, AR Cousin Roxie Hobbs home.. pickup basketball game with Sylwavion's cousins. They were flying around, laughing, yelling, kicking up dust and talking stuff! Franklin was faster than everyone, a better shooter and OH my God he could sky and dunk! As a big sports fan I watched in amazement...who was this big athletic guy with a big smile who could jump so high? This is my first memory of meeting my sweet Cousin Sylwavion's husband. He was kind, funny, enjoyed life and who I thought was a perfect match for my Cousin Wavy. We love you guys Jennifer, Stephanie and the little ones we are remembering all of you in prayer Glenda Hill..Carrie's 3rd Girl
paul pearson
October 2, 2025
sorry to hear about Franklin - he was a terrific guy and a better teammate.
He will be missed.
Presley L. Vann Senior
October 1, 2025
I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of Franklin. I was seven years older than Franklin and I remember him as a well-behaved young guy. I know he had to become a great father himself, with the excellent examples his father set for him. Franklin Senior became a second father to me when my father passed in 1965 at the age of 15 years old. Frank senior would all me over to his house and he would talk to me about staying calm, staying under control and staying in school. I recall Franklin Jr. being in the midst of our conversations, with eyes wide open and paying strict attention to what his father was telling me. I was gone from Pocatello during his excellent football career, but I heard a lot about it. I send my condolences to his family and blessing to them with ALL of God´s Love, Grace, Mercy and Peace
Karey Howard
October 1, 2025
Franklin was such a great guy. I played on the Cowboy Oil baseball team with him. I remember he was twice my size and would pick me up and sit me on his lap give that laugh of his.
Bruce Bell
September 30, 2025
I was a teammate with Franklin when we both signed with the Houston Oilers in 1979. I rode to Houston with him when we broke training camp in San Angelo that year. Franklin was a good football player but a better person. RIP
Lenn Liggins
September 30, 2025
God bless you and your family. Love you brother.
Tina Wellard
September 30, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
I went thru High School with Franklin. We had some classes together and he was always so nice and fun to be around. Tina Wellard
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