John H. Franklin, Jr. was the oldest of the union of John and Grace Franklin, born on June 15, 1946 in Kansas City, Kansas. Known as Hank by friends and family, he had many hobbies, which included collecting coins, baseball cards, and books, also raising and training dogs. In high school Hank played the clarinet as a member of the school band. He also stood out as a track and field star participating in the hurdles and long jump. In 1964, he graduated from Paseo High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Hank worked for the railroad as a pullman porter to continue his education and earned a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration in 1971 and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1973 from Central Missouri State University. His formal education afforded him a career with the Government in Small Business Administration, processing FEMA and farm loans. During this time of his life he was married to Kyna R. Perkins in 1982. In his later years, he continued to keep active by working part-time for the United States Post Office. On December 7, 2016 God called John home to be reunited with his father, mother and sister Carolyn I. (Franklin) Griffin. He leaves behind his beloved partner of 17 years Tracy K. Holthaus, who stood by his side until his final breath. His wit and strength will be truly missed by those he leaves behind: his two daughters, Melany Ann Pearl of Lynchburg, VA and Arshiel Ermella Franklin of Kansas City, MO, a stepdaughter Fonda Lanay Perkins, two grandchildren Dominique A. Nelson and Alala W.F. Cooper, brother Donald E. Franklin (Elpida 'Hope' Franklin), sister Patricia A. Ratliff, and brother-in-law Milton M. Griffin and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 17, 2:00 p.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Interment Blue Ridge Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the chapel. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.