Jeffery Franklin

Jeffrey Brent Franklin, 60, of Fort Stockton, Texas, passed away on Monday, November 1st, 2021, in Fort Stockton, Texas

A memorial service will be held at 10:00am, Friday, November 12th, 2021, at Heritage Funeral Home of Big Bend, Fort Stockton, Texas, with the Pastor John McIntyre officiating. A reception will follow at the Rooney Memorial Park Large Community Hall.  Arrangements are made by Heritage Funeral Home of Big Bend.

Jeff was born in Cookeville, Tennessee, to Earl and Marlene Franklin on July 2, 1961. He graduated from Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, in 1983. He moved to Fort Stockton, Texas, and started his family and business as an Insurance Claims Adjuster in 1988. He and his first wife, Renee, welcomed their son, Sam, in 1989. As his family grew, so did his entrepreneurial spirit. Jeff acquired commercial property that he leased to local businesses and began a self-storage business all while still doing claim adjustments. In 2006, Jeff and his 2nd wife, JoLea, welcomed their son, Lakota and in 2008, their daughter, Adelaide. In 2011, Jeff expanded his business portfolio by opening Cowboy Liquor Store. In August 2021, Jeff embarked on building a new liquor store business, with his brother Kavin, that was to open in mid-November 2021.

Jeff enjoyed all things outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. Most of all, he loved spending time with friends and family, especially his children and grandson. He was extremely proud of Lakota’s participation in Cross Country at Fort Stockton High School. Jeff loved adventures with his daughter, Adelaide; never missing a chance to tell stories of their zip-lining in the mountains. Jeff and his eldest son, Sam, were the best of friends and sparring partners. They bickered constantly, but no one doubted how much they loved each other. Jeff spent Saturday mornings with his grandson, Mason, eating pancakes and telling stories. He was always up for a good story and had many of his own. Most afternoons, you could find him telling one or two of them at his favorite spot, Terry Thomas’ garage. Jeff was stubborn, short-tempered, and a shrewd businessman. Jeff was also generous, kind, and funny; he provided for his family above all else. He wore his heart on his sleeve but tried not to let it show. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jeff Franklin is preceded in death by his father, Earl Jay Franklin.

Jeff Franklin is survived by his first wife, Renee Parson, his second wife, JoLea Burger, his children, Samuel Franklin and his wife Rhonda, Lakota Franklin, and Adelaide Franklin, his brother Kavin Franklin, his mother, Marlene Franklin, his grandson, Mason Franklin, and his uncle, Norbert Garrett.

Memorials may be sent to Heritage Funeral Home. The family prefers for donations to be sent to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization that was dear to Jeff.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Heritage Funeral Home, the first responders from the Pecos County Sheriff’s department and Fort Stockton Police department, Andrea Rohus, Terry Thomas, Layla Dunnam, and John McIntyre.