Randall Franklin Jr.

Randall Franklin, Jr.

A Joint Celebration of Life Service for Randall "Bone" Franklin, Jr., Justin M. Mason, and Wallace R. "Wally" Martin, will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege with Pastor Kevin Lund, Pastor Murray Jones, and Mr. Ken Breinig officiating.

Randall Ray Franklin, Jr., better known as "Bone," 36 years of age, of Funk, Nebraska, formerly of Holdrege, passed away on August 15, 2025, in a tragic, fatal three-vehicle car accident near Funk. Randy was born on November 19, 1988, in Holdrege, to Randall Sr. and Beverly Smith. He received his education from the Holdrege Public Schools, and received his GED from YRTC, west of Kearney High, graduating with the class of 2008.

Family was at the center of Bone's life from childhood until his final days. Growing up, his closest friends were his cousins and his brother-in-law, Ben Riess, friendships that remained strong well into adulthood. Over the years, Bone formed countless friendships, many of which grew so deep and meaningful that they became like family to him.

His life really began when he met his first love, Ashley James Green and together, they welcomed their beautiful son, Bradin Ray Franklin.

In 2016, Randall met the love of his life, Brittany Axtell. On January 10, 2019, they were united in marriage and to this union, they were blessed with four children: Serenity, Miles, Karson, and Rowan. Throughout Bones working years, he was employed at Scoular Grain, Janssen Ford, Paulsen Inc., and was currently working at Popple Construction at the time of his passing.

Bone was a dedicated husband and father, and loved spending time with his boys and wife. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends and family and was always blasting his music as loud as possible. Bone will be remembered for his generous spirit and his big heart, always ready to help anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Serenity; brother, Brandon Smith; his grandparents: Fred Nicholson; Donald Franklin; Delmar and Betty Smith; aunt, Julie Moffree; two uncles: Dave Smith; and Wally Martin; and cousins: Nathan Martin, Taylor Martin, and Justin Mason.

He leaves to celebrate his life, his wife, Brittany Franklin of Funk; his sons: Bradin, Miles, Karson, and Rowan; his father, Randall Franklin, Sr. and his wife, Vicki of Holdrege; his mother, Beverly Roth and her husband, Ray of Kearney; mother-in-law, Lisa Axtell and Scott Beck of Funk; grandmother, Sue Nicholson of California; two sisters: Carrie Smith and her husband, Ben, of Holdrege; and Christina Franklin and her husband, Andrew, of Holdrege; brother, Tristan Franklin of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

There will not be a visitation, viewing, or memorial book signing the evening prior.

Memorials in Randall's memory are kindly suggested to the family. A memorial fund is set up at the Lincoln Federal Savings Bank in Holdrege and donations can be dropped off in person or mailed to P.O. Box 590 Holdrege, Nebraska 68949, c/o: Randy Franklin Memorial.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com.

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.

NELSON-BAUER FUNERAL HOME