Rev. Kevin U. Franklin, 62, died Sept. 19, 2016, at his home, Great Bend. He was born April 19, 1954, at Salina, the son of Rev. Raymond A. and Eva E. (Benson) Franklin. He married Dwana Lue Smith July 28, 1973, at Wichita.

Kevin accepted Christ as his Saviour Feb. 18, 1982. He was ordained Oct. 12, 1992, to preach the word of God. He was a youth pastor in Salina for many years and then pastored First Baptist Church, Concordia, for 16 years, and First Bible Baptist Church, Great Bend, for 10 years. He had also previously lived in Oregon, California, and Oklahoma. He was also a carpet installer for 35 years.

Survivors include his wife, Dwana Lue Franklin, of the home; three children: Rick Franklin and his wife Donna S. of Great Bend, Donna R. Harvey and her husband Kris of Salina, and Kevin S. Franklin of Great Bend; and 11 grandchildren, Ricky, Christian, Isaiah, Elijah, Charity and Trinity Franklin of Great Bend; and Anthony, Rayna, Grace, Kevin Allen and Julie Harvey; his Church family, two aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Ray and Agatha Benson and Earnest and Mabel Franklin, and one brother, Rev. Charles R. Franklin.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 at Ray Avenue Baptist Church, 2801 E. Ray, Salina with the Rev. Dr. Rex Fuller. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery, Salina. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Memorials are requested to the Kevin Franklin Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.