John W. Franklin, 69, passed away on September 23, 2018 at St. Luke's Hospital. He was born March 19, 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri to the union of Calvin Moss and Callie Ervin. His parents; brothers, Joe Franklin, Sr., Wesley Franklin, Sr., James Franklin, Roosevelt Franklin, John Lee Franklin and James Franklin; sister, Thelma B. Blair; special aunt, Maddie Swinton and lifelong companion, Laura Dean Britton all preceded him in death.

John lived most of his life in the Kansas City area and was a devoted Muslim. As a dedicated father who always provided for his children, John worked many years alongside his brothers in the family demolition company where he taught his children all he knew. He also was a Sous-Chef on the Plaza. John could fix any and everything, a real make-a-way kind of guy.

To know John was to love him. If you had him in your corner, you knew you were safe. He would always say, "God taught some to sing and some to dance. God blessed me to use my hands!" He was truly a hero, a real life superman! He was especially proud of his son, Dough for all his hard work and dedication.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his beloved son, Kellia "Dough" Britton (Essence); childen, Edward Robinson, Rhoda Sawyer, Cheryl Mrayyan, Clifton Britton and Christopher Britton; brothers, Robert Glover (Pat), Leotis Franklin (George), Alfred Walker and Kermit Walker (Chris); sisters, Diana Thorton (Charlie), Callie Davis and Mary Walker; grandchildren, Kellia Dean Britton, Brandin Berry, Donae Blockmon, TaJanae, Terrance, Brittnie, Stephen, Kadeem, Sa'Mila, Alamin, WajDi, Zion, ZyKire, BuKhari, Mubarak, Emily, Jesseca, Laura, Clifton Jr., Christian, Kyah, Javinie, Jamond, Jeremy, NaTisha, NaTanya, Shaliena, Christiana, Christopher Jr., Renell, Kenneth and Nesha; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends whom he loved.