Jesse T. (Tom) Franklin, 75 of Taylorville, IL, passed away on July 16, 2023 at the Illinois Veterans’ Home of Anna. He was born on May 23, 1948 in Springfield, IL to Jess Louis Franklin and Grace Virginia Kline. Jesse married Lucille (Leaderbrand) Loreth on November 5, 1980 in Taylorville and she survives.

Jesse served in the United States Air Force and worked for the Department of Corrections for twenty-three years. He was a proud member of the Taylorville Masonic Lodge #122 AF & AM and the VFW Post 4495 in Taylorville. Jesse was also a Ham Radio operator and worked as a camp host in Missouri for several years. He loved riding his Harley and he and his wife spent eighteen happy winters in Florida. In his spare time, Jesse enjoyed driving his 1929 Model A in various parades and car cruises. Above all else, Jesse loved spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly.

He is survived by his wife: Lucille Franklin; step-children: Vickie (Jerry) Williams of Rochester, IL; Kim (Patrick) McGriff of Murphysboro, IL; grandson: Jesse Eric Franklin of Hatton, ND; step-grandchildren: Julie Cheu of Murphysboro, IL; Cori Loreth of Clinton, IL; Morgan Loreth of Tucson, AZ; Colt Ramos of Denver, CO; Luke Ramos of Austin, TX; great-grandchildren: Skie, Roland, and Gracelyn Franklin; several step-great-grandchildren; sister: Sharon Turner of Taylorville, IL; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents; son: Jesse Michael Franklin; step-son: Mark Loreth; brothers: Gillis Franklin; Bill Franklin; and Mike Franklin; and his brother-in-law: Bill Turner.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. A funeral service will be held the following day at 11:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home with Jim Bowman, a long-time friend, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Memorials in Jesse’s Honor may be made to the Illinois Veterans’ Home in Anna, IL or to the Taylorville VFW.

Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhome.com