Ira Franklin

ST. MARY'S, Mo. -- Ira J. Franklin, 88, of St. Mary's died Thursday, Sept. 5, 2002, at his home.

He was born Aug. 28, 1914, at Sereno, Mo., son of Charles William "Jack" and Elizabeth Cissell Franklin. He and Rose Emma Bruckerhoff were married July 25, 1936, at Sereno.

Survivors include two sons, Floyd Franklin of Brewer, Mo., Cecil Franklin of Oak Ridge, Mo.; four daughters, Kay Franklin and Rita Pucong of Kona, Hawaii, Audry Schmelzle of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., Mary Franklin of Ironton, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; four brothers, and three sisters.

Friends may call at Basler Funeral Home in Ste. Genevieve from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Church in St. Mary's. Burial will be in the church cemetery.