Henry Jason Franklin

Henry Jason Ray Franklin, 41, made the ultimate sacrifice for his community and passed away on October 6, 2025.

Born on August 24, 1984, in Cairo, Illinois, he was the son of Harold Franklin and Sally Turner Doyle.

He married the love of his life, Leah Whitener, on May 12, 2018, in Sikeston, Missouri. She survives of the home.

Henry retired from the United States Army after a distinguished 10-year career, during which he completed two tours in Iraq. Following his active-duty service, he continued his commitment to his country through the National Guard for an additional 10 years, retiring in 2023.

In 2013, he graduated from the Southeast Missouri State University Law Enforcement Academy, marking the beginning of a successful career in public safety. He went on to serve with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety for 13 years, where he held several notable roles, including member of the Special Operations Group, the Southeast Missouri Homeland Security Response Team, and the Sikeston DPS Honor Guard. He also served as a School Resource Officer and was most proud of his role as K9 handler for his loyal partner, Odin.

Henry was the kind of officer everyone wanted on scene-professional, calm, and always ready with a smile that could ease even the toughest moments. Though it's been said he had a few "adventures" behind the wheel, if there are patrol cars and firetrucks in heaven, we can only hope they have great insurance.

Henry loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and had a deep passion for fitness. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was always up for an adventure. In his downtime, he could often be found at Stogies, cigar in hand, swapping stories and sharing laughter-or at home with his wife and children, cooking one of his amazing meals. He was the true definition of a family man and a wonderful father. His laughter and contagious smile brought warmth to every gathering, and his absence will leave a profound void in the lives of those who loved him.

Henry is survived by his wife, Leah Franklin; his mother, Sally Turner Doyle; his four children, Lauren Brase, Austin Brase, Audrey Franklin, and Addison Lancaster; his sister, Amy (Garrison) Eastman; mother-in-law, Sandy O'Guinn; brother-in-law, Jonathan (Courtney) Whitener; sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Jason) Thompson; nieces, Bailey, Aubrie, Olivia, and McKenzie; nephews, Jayden, Aaron, Asher, Liam, and Zachary; his lifelong best friend and brother, Zach Scott; and his faithful K9 partner, Odin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Franklin; his sister, April Franklin; and father-in-law, Gregory O'Guinn.

A public visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Miner Baptist Church, located at 416 South State Route H in Sikeston, Missouri. Pastor Jay Teague and Pastor Frank Worthington will officiate the services.

A procession will follow to Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 1201 South Kingshighway in Sikeston, where professional law enforcement honors will be rendered.

Procession Route: From Miner Baptist Church, the procession will travel south on State Route H to East Malone Ave./U.S. 62 West, then west along East Malone Avenue to South Kingshighway Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Focus Bank in care of Henry Franklin Memorial Fund, 1150 South Main Street, Sikeston, Missouri.

Pallbearers: Zach Scott, Devin Wierschem, Jonathan Whitener, Adam Lacey, Garrison Eastman, and Austin Brase.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jayden Whitener, Aaron Jones, Asher Eastman, Liam Griswill, Zachary Perry, and Daxon Wierschem.

Ponder Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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