ROBERT (BOB) FRANKLIN

ROBERT FRANKLIN Cedar Rapids Robert W. Franklin (Bob), 81, passed away Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Fort Worth, Texas, of health complications. Bob was born Feb. 4, 1933, in Clayton, Iowa, the second of nine children of John D. and Marie R. Franklin. Bob married Barbara Lee Wichmann on Sept. 4, 1959, in Cedar Rapids, where they lived all of their married life, until relocating to Mansfield, Texas in 2014. Bob grew up in Belle Plaine, Iowa, graduating from high school in 1951. His athletic accomplishments in high school were far too many to list. He earned 12 varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. After serving in the Navy for four years, he returned to Iowa. After settling in Cedar Rapids, he began a long and rewarding career with the Iowa Department of Transportation. Bob retired from IDOT after 35 years and transitioned into his family's private business, Franklin Land Surveying. Bob and Barb owned and operated Franklin Land Surveying for 30 years, serving Eastern Iowa residents and businesses. Bob was involved in many activities, whatever was in season, baseball, softball, bowling, golf and in his younger days, basketball. He was elected to the Cedar Rapids Softball Hall of Fame after many years of playing the game. Bob was anc Iowa Hawkeye fan attending football and basketball games in Iowa City and across the country. This devotion began when his father named Herky the Hawk in 1948 and he took Bob to that season's Notre Dame game. Bob cherished his lifelong friendships and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and helping them with their athletic pursuits. Bob is survived by his wife, Barb; daughter, Deb; sons, John, Dan and Scott; grandchildren, Britt, Cassie, Josh, Dani, Jamie, Mae and Jake; and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Athren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Franklin; and brothers, Chuck, Jim and Don. He is also survived by sisters, Shirley and Virginia; and brothers, David (Rita), Tom (Pam) and Rich. A small gathering was held in Texas on Feb. 7, 2015. Memorial services be held in Iowa on Feb. 21, at approximately 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 801 33rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids. In lieu of flowers or cards, remembrances may be made to Belle Plaine High School Athletic Department, 707 Seventh St., Belle Plaine, IA 52208.