Cary Jene Franklin, 84 of Bates City, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 13, 2025, at Church of Christ, 210 N 4th St., Odessa, MO, 64076. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Phillips Family Cemetery, Llama Rd., Edwards, MO, 65326. Memorials are suggested to the West-Central Missouri Veterans Home Assistance League (VAL). Memories of Cary and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.
Cary, a triplet, was born on September 3, 1941, in Sedalia, MO, to Cecil R. and Edith (Woods) Franklin. He graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City, MO. Cary was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving his country honorably. On December 26, 1964, Cary was united in marriage to Gail Lynn Phillips in Kansas City, MO. Cary worked for many years for Armco Steel before retiring after 30 years from GST Technologies. He was a member of the V.F.W.. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Cary enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling, playing basketball and baseball, but most of all spending time with his family.
Cary is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gail Franklin of Bates City, MO; two children, Brian Franklin of Kansas City, MO; Tammy (Skip) Smith of Bates City, MO four grandchildren, Katelynn (Zach) Pahopin of Grain Valley, MO, Crayton (Alexis) Smith of Lee’s Summit, MO, Olivia and Maya; two great-grandchildren, Lucy Pahopin and Evelynn Pahopin; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Cary was preceded in death by three brothers, Cecil Franklin, Gary Franklin, and Larry Franklin.
Source: KMZU, The Farm

KMZU, The Farm
Obituary listings are sourced from KMZU, The Farm, a local radio station serving Mid-Missouri with news, weather, farm reports, and community updates. Known for its strong ties to rural communities, KMZU provides timely and respectful tributes to those who have passed, helping keep families and neighbors informed across the region.
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