Allen Franklin passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the age of 61. He was born on Sunday, March 7, 1965 in Durant, Oklahoma to Maxine (Ammons) and Bobby Dean Franklin.
Allen grew up in Durant while attending school in Atoka, Oklahoma. Allen was married to Ladonna Kay Franklin on February 11, 1984 at Albany Baptist Church.
A true cowboy at heart, Allen lived a life anchored by devotion to his family and hard work. As a Senior Project Manager serving as an owner’s representative, he took immense pride in his professional career and loved traveling for work, building both structures and lasting relationships with new friends along the way. The highlight of his traveling was when he was joined by his beloved wife, Ladonna. They enjoyed meeting new people and finding experiences that were local to the projects at hand. Their favorite time was spent driving backroads through small towns, visiting antique shops, and making plans together during shared sunrises and sunsets.
Though dedicated to his work, his true pride and joy was his family. A devoted husband, father of four, and grandfather of nine, Allen brought people together, and could be easily recognized by his trademark starched jeans and curled mustache. Allen could be found enjoying a game of dominoes, sharing a much-anticipated dessert, or cheering for OU Football (BOOMER).
Allen loved the Lord, and gave his life to Christ when he was baptized alongside his sons in 2007. As the family patriarch, he would begin family gatherings and meals by praying over his family and leading with Christ in his home. His warmth and strength were a comfort and a joy to his family and friends.
Allen was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Dean Franklin, his mother Maxine Franklin, his older brother, Dennis Franklin, and his daughter in law, Shana Lee Franklin.
Allen is survived by his wife, Ladonna Kay Franklin; his children, Aaron Franklin and wife Sierra, Colt Franklin and wife Moriah, Coby Franklin and wife Alex, and Cort Franklin and wife Sarah. He is also survived by his nine beloved grandchildren Xander Franklin, Bas Franklin, Jaycie Hicks, James Hicks, Dean Franklin, Preston Franklin, Titus Franklin, Jesse Franklin, and Maxwell Allen Franklin. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Franklin and wife Donna, as well as a multitude of family and friends.
A family visitation service will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at The Gordon Center, 305 N. Second Ave. in Durant.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 124 Evergreen St, in Durant with Bro. Jose Stilwell and LaShona Franklin-Lay officiating. A graveside service will follow at Albany Cemetery in Albany, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Derek Franklin, Chase Franklin, Mykal Franklin, Robert Franklin, Taylor Knox, and Matthew Knox. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tommy Turnbull, Jerry Fenton, Tim Webster, Danny Crites, Brock Eubanks, Brian Mixon, Rick Heard, Kim Parker, Jason Ammons, Brant Ammons, and Tony Knox.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant.
Phone: (580) 916-9090