Louie Don Franklin

It is with profound sadness that the family of Louie Don “Pa” Franklin announces his peaceful passing on December 2, 2025, at the age of 86 in Greenville, Texas. Born on October 12, 1939, in Emory, Texas, where he lived and went to school. In 1965 “Pa” met the love of his life, Martha. For the next 35 years, after serving in the military, he worked at Walker McDonald’s. After retiring from there, he ran a laundry service until he retired at the age of 79.

Pa was a big family man, loving them all. He was a sharp man was not much he couldn’t tell you a story about, from working hard with his daddy as a young boy to leaving the military and continuing to work until he retired. Pa may have been sharp in his memories, but sometimes when telling his stories, there may or may not have been a wise tell or two. Some of Pa’s favorite places to be were having coffee or playing dominos with his best buddy, Larry. If Pa was telling this story, it would be that as a young man his biggest accomplishment was he had five children and, in those times, it took a lot of hard work and perseverance. Pa was not just brave while serving in the army, but also brave while raising his family and being dedicated to his late wife, Martha, whom he lost he 1999. With love and bravery, Pa has made a lasting impact on all of us; 5 children, 15 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 12 great great grandchildren. He truly loved each and every one of them. Building a legacy, living a lifetime of happiness with his family always close by. Pa, with his sharp memory loved playing dominos, cards, and corn hole at all the family gatherings, and drinking coffee anytime of the day. He would be sharing achievements with even strangers of the many grandkids. He definitely was proud and that was an understatement. Let’s not forget him watching old westerns and football highlights from 20 years ago when “SUPPOSEDLY” the Dallas Cowboys were good. If you know, you know, Cowboys could make him so upset. They say like old, weathered oak trees, Grandpa stood sturdy, and strong to help carry the family along. Ornery, he was not filtered sometimes. Brave, Bold, and a firm hand, a true hero as we hear them play taps, we know you’re walking in the streets of glory with your Best Friend.

We just ask you to remember him always by a story he told or for the impact be had across the many lives while he entered peacefully in his next big adventure of going to see Jesus and meeting his loved ones, especially his best buddy Larry, as he would say.

Louie Don “Pa” Franklin is survived by his children, Travis E. Mauldin, Robbie Mauldin, Jackie Mauldin Key, Judy Mauldin. Grandchildren Monica Martinez, Michael Key, Misty Reynolds, Jody Key, Brian Key, Travis Mauldin, Katie Mauldin, Victoria Dean, Leslie Bowers, Kim Soaper, Jeremy Myers, Jerry Mauldin, Amanda Mauldin, David Mauldin Jr., great grandchildren Kaden Key, Kulin Honeycutt, Sara Honeycutt, Javier Ruelas, Madison Hibdon, Logan Gilliam, Kirsten, Alex, Dillon Key, Chole Mauldin, Hunter Mauldin, Delaney, Aubrey, Mak, Gentry, Cynthia, Lilian, Tristan, Joel, Donovan, Trinity, Weston, and Shyler Santana, and 12 great, great grandchildren, Sebastian Ruelas, Rhylan Hibdon, Peyton, Kenna, and Kase Honeycutt, Lily Virgel, Eleanor, Loretta, and Lincoln Key, Ezra, Dryer, Keisor Soaper, and Machan Mauldin.

Preceded in death, wife Martha Franklin, parents Clyde and Maudie Franklin, All siblings, Son David Mauldin Sr., son-in-law Larry Key, daughter-in-law Michele Mauldin, son-in-law David Santana, granddaughter Wendy M. Key, grandson Shawn Santana, great-great grandchild Baby Honeycutt