Billy ‘Bill’ Ray Franklin, 83, passed away at his home on March 21, 2019. He was born to Alonzo and Alma (Hahn) Franklin, in Hutchinson, on January 20, 1936.  Bill graduated from Partridge High School in 1954, helping to earn the Quails a state championship in basketball during that time.

On August 27, 1955, he married his childhood sweetheart, Lola Mae Fornwalt, at Partridge Community Church, and spent over 60 years, both good days and bad, head over heels in love. Bill and Lola had two children, Debora Kay and Bill Eugene, and raised them both on the family farm in rural Partridge, where Bill was a dairyman and farmer for most of his life.

He was a member of Partridge Community Church. Bill was also an avid woodworker and genealogist, and took great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by:  his parents; son, Bill E. Franklin; and brother-in-law, Bryan Tedder.

He is survived by:  his wife; daughter, Debora (Ray) Miller; daughter-in-law, Joann (William) Drummond, all of Hutchinson; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Anna Jean Tedder of Raymore, MO; and brother-in-law, Allen Hirst of Hutchinson.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Sheridan Irick presiding. Inurnment will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Darlow. Friends may sign the book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Partridge Community Church or American Heart Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.