Rayford Dale Franklin

Rayford Dale Franklin, of Scandia, Kansas passed away on May 15, 2023, at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 63. He was born on July 3, 1959, to Calvin and Bertie (Meeks) Franklin in Denver, Colorado.

Rayford lived between Colorado and Texas the first half of his life, until moving to Woodston in 2000, when his mother became ill, until her death. Theresa and he decided to be together again. They raised their grandson, Brandin Franklin, (Stacy’s son) which was a blessing to their lives. They stayed in Woodston until the economy sank and moved to Republic county, where their daughter, Nicole, and her family lived. All of his grandkids were such a big part of his life and he loved them dearly.

He was a truck driver and heavy equipment operator. Rayford was a member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed collecting and restoring Coleman lanterns, he even bought a small building and worked in it for many hours into the night tinkering with lanterns. He also loved playing his guitar and singing, especially when the grandkids were big enough to play with him. He was in many country bands most of his life. His last band was called “The Hay Wire Band.” They played for the locals in the surrounding counties. But especially in his garage in Woodston. They drew a crowd about every weekend.

Rayford is survived by the love of his life for 23 years, Theresa Campbell of the home and his dog, Thea (a Great Pyrenese/Lab); children, Stacy Franklin of Burleson, Texas, Nicole (Michael) Lauber of Belleville, Kansas, Allie (Andrew) Nicholson of Clemmons, North Carolina; sisters, Linda Edington of Mill Creek, Oklahoma, Marcene (Billy) Machuca of Fort Worth, Texas; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

His is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Curtis Franklin, Larry Franklin, Ronald Franklin and sister, Jodean Rogers.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at the Woodston Cemetery in Woodston, Kansas. The family requests that you dress very casually or come as your are, as Rayford wouldn’t have it any other way.

Memorials are suggested to Rayford Franklin Memorial Fund for funeral expenses and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.