Rev. Wilbur 'Web' M. Franklin Sr. of Tilden
The Rev. Wilbur "Web" M. Franklin, Sr, 86, of Tilden, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O'Fallon.
Mr. Franklin was born Aug. 24, 1931 in Clarmin. He married Edna M. Alexander of Tilden on May 11, 1951 in Paragould, Ark. She survives, in Tilden.
Mr. Franklin was a retired coal miner and state safety inspector at large for the Department of Mines and Minerals. For over 50 years, he was a minister in several southern Baptist churches before retiring from the First Baptist Church in Tilden.
He was a member of the Masons, Ainad Shriners, Tilden Lions Club, the Sparta School Board, Tilden Village Board and a past member of the United Mine Workers of America. He was also on the committee that helped get the veterans memorial placed at the Tilden Cemetery.
"Web," as he was affectionately known, is survived by his loving wife, Edna; three children, Wilbur M. Franklin, Jr. of Tilden, Robert (Tammy) Franklin of Willisville, and Cynthia (Pat) Jones of Marissa; seven grandchildren, Stacie (Jason) Henson, Jeff Franklin, Maegan (Chris) Tombrella, William Franklin, Ashleigh Franklin, Dustin Krzyzanoski and Krystal Finks; and eight great-grandchildren, Kayla Pence, Asher Henson, Mabrey Tombrella, Myles Franklin, Erin Franklin, Caden Finks, Lacy Finks and Lilly Finks.
Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Lela (Wilkerson) Franklin, and three brothers: Arkel, Ted and Floyd Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the First Baptist Church in Tilden.
Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 19 and 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, April 20 at the First Baptist Church in Tilden. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the church, with Pastor Paul Hahn officiating. Interment will be at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa is in charge of arrangements.