Joshua Wenard Franklin Jr.

Joshua Wenard Franklin Jr. was born on May 6, 1945, in Vanport, Oregon, (now known as Portland, Oregon), to Joshua W. Franklin and Yular M. Nolan. He peacefully transitioned on September 29, 2024, at Christiana Care in Newark, Delaware.

The second eldest of five children, Joshua was a lifelong member of Sardis Baptist Church in Coffeyville, Kansas. Known affectionately as “Sammy,” he enjoyed a childhood filled with family and the joy of growing up alongside his cousins. He graduated from Field Kindley High School and later attended Coffeyville Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in applied science.

On May 19, 1973, Joshua married the love of his life, Joshlyn Renee Martin. Together, they shared fifty-one wonderful years, raising three children—ONE daughter and two sons. Joshua took immense pride in his family, cherishing every moment spent with them. He loved music and often expressed his joy and love to his wife by singing soulful tunes like “You Are So Beautiful” by Billy Preston, “You Send Me”, “I Love You for Sentimental Reasons”, and “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.

Joshua dedicated 22 years of service to the United States Air Force, where he worked as a Loadmaster. His military career took him to various bases, including Sacramento, California; Wichita, Kansas; and Berlin, Germany, before retiring from the 436th Supply Squadron at Dover Air Force Base.

While stationed in Dover, Delaware, Joshua and his family became dedicated watch-care members of Bibleway Temple C.O.G.I.C., where he served faithfully. He enjoyed documenting church events, concerts, and conventions, making sure cherished moments were preserved for all to enjoy. Joshua continued his service even after retirement, always supporting his family, church, and community.

An avid traveler and a man who loved working on cars, Joshua embraced life fully, always seeking to enrich the lives of those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joshua W. Franklin and Yular M. Brown; his stepfather, Charles Brown; siblings Alice Jones, Anthony Brown, Steven Brown, and Corlis Brown-Baxter; several in-laws, and one niece.

Joshua leaves behind his devoted wife, Joshlyn R. Franklin; his children, Kayla Johnson (Earl Jr.), Camron Franklin, and Stephen Franklin; his six grandchildren: Jasmine Johnson, Simeon Johnson, Niyel Johnson, Gessiiyah Bynum, Paityn Franklin, and two great-grandchildren, Ryan C. Townsend and Havaeh D. Bynum. He is also survived by Godchild, Antoine Gray, two God-grandchildren, Janell Wedge and Joy Wedge, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.