Larry A. Franklin

Larry A. Franklin, 85, of Medford, Oregon, passed away on February 20, 2026. He was born April 28, 1940, in Freewater, Oregon to Claude E. Franklin and Mildred V. Bovent Franklin. He was the fifth of seven children.

Larry graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1959 and later earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Walla Walla Community College in 1968.

Following high school, Larry enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Radioman until his honorable discharge in 1963. He later served in the US Army National Guard as a cook before retiring from service years later as an E7.

Larry married Patricia E. Hastings in October 1964. They welcomed two children, a daughter Kim in October 1965 and son Greg in June 1967. They later divorced. In 1973 he married Chris Moore, and they welcomed son Gary in August 1975; they later divorced. Larry was also married to Ann Christensen (divorced). He married Diana Morford in 2005.

Dad lived a hardworking and varied life, holding many different types of jobs over the years. While attending college, he worked as a blackjack dealer at the Past Time in Walla Walla. He owned a bar in Walla Walla and an office machine repair business in Kennewick. He also played guitar in a local band in the Tri-Cities. He worked for Eagles in Kennewick for many years before transferring to Lowe's in Medford, OR to be closer to his son Greg and his family. He enjoyed helping his customers and many looked forward to visiting him during their trips to the store. He worked well in to his 80's, wanting to keep busy and not just "sit on the couch" as he would explain when we encouraged him to retire.

Dad loved playing golf and he also loved a good game of cards. His best advice was often repeated during these games; "cut to the right and deal to the left", which is great advice for many situations in life. He was a lifelong Seahawks fan, and we are so happy he got to see his team win the Superbowl one last time.

Larry was preceded in death by his sisters Betty, Claudia and Cherri and his brothers Ron, Melvin, and Terry.

He is survived by his daughter Kim Curtis (Steve), his sons Greg Franklin (Marianne) and Gary Franklin; his grandchildren Cody Curtis, Travis Curtis, Benjamin Franklin, and Madeleine Franklin; and his great-grandchildren Asah Curtis and Piper Curtis.

Larry was proud of his family, of his country, and that he had come to know his Lord and Saviour. One of the happiest days of his life was the day he was baptized.

We will miss his corny jokes, how his eyes lit up when he was reminiscing about his time deployed to Japan, and hearing him say "I love you too". Rest easy, Dad.

Larry is interred at the Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon. A graveside military funeral will be held July 31, 2026, at 3:00 pm. We welcome all who would like to attend and honor our Dad.

Please share a memory of Larry in his Guestbook.