Bert Franklin

Embert Ernest ”Bert” Franklin, 99 of House, NM died Saturday, March 21, 2009 at his home. Bert was born October 11, 1909 south of House, NM on the family homestead to the home of Samuel Erasmus Franklin and the former Cora Etta Bains. Bert attended schools at Tolar, NM and House, NM. He graduated from House High School where he participated on the basketball and track teams. During his senior year he began driving a school bus a career that extended for the next 31 years. He married Mary Catherine Wilson on December 7, 1938 at Clovis, NM. For many years Bert operated a cattle ranch on the family homestead. Bert was a member of the House Baptist Church; he enjoyed playing dominos, checkers, and telling old time stories. Bert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Catherine Franklin in 1987; a son James Wesley Franklin in June 2008; he was the last survivor of his nine siblings, three brothers Guy, Charlie and Sam Franklin; five sisters Bertha and Pearl Franklin who died in childhood; Ella May Hendley, Noble Slyter and Ruby Wallace. Survivors include a daughter Doris Lee and husband Bob of McAlister, NM a son Glen Franklin and wife Jimmie Gayle of House, NM; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Services will be held at 3:00 pm Monday, March 23, 2009 from the House First Baptist Church with Rev. Sherman Martin officiating. Burial will follow at the House Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Scott Lee, Randy Lee, Johnny Lee, Jerry Glen Franklin, Shawn Franklin, Bobby Raz Lee, Blake Lee, Bo Wallace and Nathan Foust. Honorary bearers will be Charles Franklin, Clifford Franklin, Derrel Franklin, Eldon Blackburn and Spence Morris. The family prefers memorial contributions in Bert’s memory to the Baptist Children’s Home P.O. Box 629; Portales, NM 88130. All Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute of sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com