Obituary of Leonard Christopher Franklin

Dr. Chris Franklin has enjoyed many experiences during his life, and celebrated and enjoyed each day to the fullest. He was a man of many talents, and loved to be with friends and family.

Leonard Christopher Franklin (Chris) was born in Lebanon, MO on February 12th, 1955 and departed this life on August 22nd, 2017 at the age of 62.

Dr. Franklin was preceded in death by his mother Marjorie Ann Price, father J.C. Franklin, and grandparents Swede and Ruby Franklin and Floy and Elvira Roofener. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Franklin of the home, two sons and daughters in law Christopher K. Franklin and his wife Danielle of Linn Creek and Andrew L. Franklin and wife Karen of Vacaville, CA, three sisters, Deanna McArthur and fiancée Michael Donahue of St. Louis, Dawn Jeffries and husband Lonnie of Brumley, and Terri Heintz and husband Brett of Springfield.  Also, five grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Chris and his wife, Diane Marie Clos were united in marriage on June 18th, 1978.

Chris, better known to most as “Dr. Chris”, graduated Camdenton High School in 1973.  During his high school years, not only was Chris an outstanding student, but was also a dedicated and competitive athlete excelling in basketball and track.  From high school he went on to Northeast Missouri State University on a Track Scholarship and was named an All American in Track and Field in 1975.  Upon graduation from college, Chris decided helping others was his calling at which time he entered medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Chris and Diane returned to their hometown of Camdenton where he established the Lake Area Clinic.  He served his communitycaring for patients at the clinic as well as the hospital, nursing home and at times house calls. One of Dr. Franklin’s favorite ways to give back to the community was byoffering bus driver and student athlete physicals. He always enjoyed seeing students involved in athletics and hearing about their accomplishments.  Over his years of practice Dr. Franklin helped thousands of patients giving each one the same care, respect and dedication as the other and was never satisfied until he could find the answer to their ailment. Dr. Franklin was a beloved and respected doctor who touched many lives.  During his career and into retirement, Dr. Chris would constantly be stopped by patients or their families reminiscing about their time under his care. 

Chris was an avid golfer and trapshooter. He put as much drive to excel into his leisure sports career as he did his high school andcollege career.  He won many competitions in trapshooting and golf. He was proud to be awarded 100 Targets in a row at a trap shoot and served as the Missouri Trap Shooting President.  Along with shooting sports, he also loved his golf and enjoyed many rounds with his friends.  He was a part of the Champion Flight in the Men’s League at Dogwood Hills from 1994 – 2000. 

Chris and his wife, Diane also loved to spend time working on their Century Family Farm.  Chris enjoyed checking the cattle, seeing newborn calves born, and caring for them.  Chris was raised on the farm so it was important to him to carry on his family traditions and share those with his boys.   There they learned hard work and the value of life.

One of Chris’s proudest moments was when he saw his wife, Diane, elected to the Missouri House of Representatives.  He was her biggest supporter.  He was delighted when his son Andrew joined the medical profession and his son Christopher took over the family farm. 

Chris loved his family and his community.  He will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege of crossing paths with him during his time on earth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Camdenton Schools with a memo on the check specified for the Camdenton Trap Club or for Special Needs Children.

Services will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton, Missouri.  The family will receive friends for visitation from 11:00 am -2:00 pm prior to services at the funeral home.