John Russell Franklin, 76, of Bella Vista passed away on May 4th in Bentonville, AR.  He was born in Tulsa, OK to Russell Dale and Ruth Lorraine Franklin on June 20, 1947.

John attended Sapulpa High School and later completed his bachelor's degree in education at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.  He began his career at Gerber and later spent most of his career working for the Miller Brewing Company for over 25 years with a career in sales. This brought John and his family to the Miller headquarters in Milwaukee, WI where they lived for 21 years before retiring in Bella Vista, AR.

John's biggest passion was his family.  He was married to Jan for 50 years. He was a devoted father to Jennifer and Allison and a proud "Pop" to Collin. John was also a great father-in-law to Will and Tom and a friend to many.

John loved to play golf and enjoyed golfing several times per week during his retirement. He was a skilled golfer and even hit three holes-in-one during his golf career.  John also loved to travel and took trips all over the world with his wife, Jan. His favorite travel destinations were Santorini, Greece and London, England.  His other great love was cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners and Butler Bulldogs.

John fought cancer for 18 years.  He lived his life to the fullest during his battle and showed incredible courage, strength, and resilience while living with cancer.  He was an inspiration.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Dale and Ruth Lorraine Franklin.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Franklin;  his twin daughters, Jennifer Gribble (Will) and Allison Oestreich (Tom); his grandson, Collin Oestreich; his sister, Julia Hitt (Joe); and his niece, Jessica Morris (Trent).

A memorial service will be held on Thursday May 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd Street, Bentonville, AR 72712.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd Street in Bentonville, AR 72712 or in support of prostate cancer research to the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University and Healthcare at: together.emory.edu/franklin.

Arrangements are made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory where online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.