PERRY, OKLA. >> Former Lake County District 5 Supervisor Leland D. “Bud” Franklin died on July 2 in Perry, Okla. He was 87.
Franklin was born on July 24, 1926 in Sparks, Okla. to Gerald and Goldie Franklin. He served as Lake County supervisor for District 5 for two terms, from 1985 to 1992.
Franklin was an old fashioned politician who wanted to help his community, his son James Franklin said Tuesday.
“He was not a normal politician,” James Franklin said. “He was always interested in politics, he enjoyed politics. I think he wanted to make the county a better place.”
Bud Franklin was an outgoing man who liked to make people laugh, James Franklin said.
His adventure in Lake County began in 1957, when he moved to the area from Los Angeles following time served with the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, according to Bud Franklin”s grandson Jordan Franklin.
He lived in the county for nearly 30 years before he took on the challenge to run for District 5 supervisor after retiring from the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company — later Pacific Bell. He had worked for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company for about 34 years.
Prior to serving as a county supervisor, Bud Franklin also served in the Kelseyville school board, James Franklin, who graduated from Kelseyville High School in 1979, said.
He was elected District 5 supervisor in Kelseyville and began his first term in 1985.
Bud Franklin was also a member of the Elks Lodge, the Masons and the American Legion before he moved back to Oklahoma in the mid 1990s, Jordan Franklin stated.
Funeral services took place on July 7 at Brown-Dugger Funeral Home Chapel and interment followed at Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry, where family and close friends paid their last respects.
He was given a burial with military honors, James Franklin said.
Bud Franklin is survived by his wife; Janice Franklin; two sons, James Franklin and L.D. Franklin Jr., of Clearlake; three step-children, Gregg Payne, Mark Payne and Shelly Briegge and their families. He is also survived by three brothers and several grand children and great-grand children.
Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimers Association or Companion Hospice in care of Brown-Dugger Funeral Home and sent to 1010 N. 7th, Perry, OK 73077, Jordan Franklin stated.
Contact Isaac Brambila at 900-2020.
