Franklin Baughman, Jr.

Franklin Delano Baughman, Jr., known affectionately as Frank or Frankie, was born on September 28, 1957, in El Paso, Texas. He passed away on August 17, 2024, in Tyler, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family and friends.

Franklin was a master plumber and pipe fitter, taking pride in his work and earning respect within his trade. He was married to his beloved wife, Lois, for 42 years. Franklin cherished spending time with his children and their partners—oldest daughter Carri and her husband, Jeremy; son, Kenny and his partner, Kim; daughter Michelle and her partner, Matthew; and youngest daughter, Jennifer. A devoted grandfather to twelve grandchildren: (Big)Dakota, Hunter, (Little)Dakota, Shannon, Hayden, Addison, Logan, Case, Gavin, Michael, Franklin, and Lliam, as well as three great-grandchildren, Rhea, Jaxston, and Jayla.

A self-taught guitar player, Franklin found joy in music and was inspired by artists like Pink Floyd, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ TOP, Stevie Nicks, The Beatles, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He loved nothing more than to play guitar and sing for his loved ones, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Franklin's hobbies included fishing, which he liked so much he moved his family to Emory/Lake Fork area from Everman/Fort Worth in 1995.

Franklin was known for his unwavering determination and resilience; he never backed down from a challenge and he fought until the end. He embodied the saying, "Can't never could," which reflected his tenacious spirit. He valued his "piece of dirt," a testament to his pride in home and family. Many nights were spent there entertaining his kids and grandkids by campfire; barbecuing, telling stories of his childhood, hooting with the owls and hollering for everyone to "Look at the moon!"

He is survived by his wife Lois, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his siblings Debbie and Kenny, Robert, Anthony, Martha and Brad, his Aunt Pat, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and countless cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sallie and Franklin, Sr., aunts and uncles, and several cousins.

Family meant a lot to Frankie. He spent many summer vacations in southeast Texas, visiting "the acre" for family reunions. He aspired for his children to one day have their very own "acre" in northeast Texas, on his land. But Franklin's favorite place in the world was anywhere with Lois, he was never far from her. He will be remembered for his big heart, the way he never met a stranger, and all those stories around the campfire.

A celebration of his life will be held on "his acre," Saturday, September 28th, 2024, which would have been his 67th birthday.