Leon Leo Franklin II

Leon Leo Franklin II. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana September 5th, 2003, to Leon Leo Franklin and the late Patrice Molina Franklin. He was the loving brother to Lauren Lambert, brother-in-law to Jonathan Lambert and uncle to Carson Lambert. Leon graduated from St. Augustine High School and was a senior biology major at Xavier University, where he was expected to graduate this upcoming semester. Leon was a very kind hearted, athletic and creative soul. He was known by many for his participation in various baseball teams. From ages 4-9, he played park ball at Goretti. From ages 10-12, he played travel ball with the Crescent City Athletics while simultaneously playing for the Top Notch Snipers travel ball team from ages 11-12. He then went on to play for numerous other teams: The Heat, UYA Urban Youth Academy and St. Augustine. Throughout this journey, he was a 1st baseman, outfielder and pitcher, earning him an impressive total of 11 championship rings. In addition to his spectacular athleticism, Leon was also artistically inclined like his mother. His talents ranged from fashion and drawing to playing the drums. In 2023, Leon launched his own brand DML Apparel. He channeled his inner creativity and emotions into edgy clothing that was revered by his peers.

On December 29th, 2025, at the age of 22, Leon Leo Franklin II. departed this life and entered into heavenly eternal rest. Left to celebrate his life and memory is his sister and brother-in-law, Lauren Ashley and Jonathan Lambert; father, Leon Leo Franklin; grandfather, Ronald (Kim) Molina; aunt, Cheron (Darryl) Adams and Jamyra Williams; other aunts, uncles, cousins, classmates and teammates, along with the loving members of the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Relatives, friends of the family, and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in the area are invited to attend the celebration service on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The service will be held at Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1029 Fats Domino Ave. Interment will follow the service at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70122. The repast will be held at New Zion Baptist Church, 2319 3rd St., New Orleans, LA 70113. Services entrusted to D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home.