James L. (Spider) Franklin
August 29, 1936 – January 30, 2014

James L. (Spider) Franklin, 77 of Glenwood, Missouri passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

The son of Lester Edward and Icie (Lucas) Franklin, he was born in rural Glenwood, Missouri. He was employed with the Western Union as a lineman from which he retired.

Survivors include his three daughters, Cynthia Woods and friend, Brent Shively of Glenwood, Missouri, Sheila Timal of Milan, Missouri and Kimberly Franklin of Hemit, California; three grandchildren, London Shirley and husband, Danny of Queen City, Missouri, Kansas Timal of Milan, Missouri and Sarah Burns of California; one great grandchild, Satyr Timal of Queen City, Missouri; one sister, Ruth Hays of Glenwood, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Richard Vestal of Unionville, Missouri; nephew, Bill Hays of Arizona; nieces, Judy Lawrence of Oklahoma and Reesa Vestal of Unionville, Missouri; other family members and many good friends.

James is preceded in death by his parents; one son, James Lester, Jr., one daughter, Carol Ann Franklin; one sister, Jean Vestal; two brothers, Max Franklin and an infant brother; one sister-in-law, Iris Franklin; one brother-in-law, Harold Hays; one nephew, Jack Hays and one niece, Vicki Tipton.

James was a member of the Lancaster Methodist Church in Lancaster, Missouri.

Spider loved to fish and help his neighbors. He spent most of his time driving the back roads of Schuyler County and helping anyone in need. He also was very involved in many volunteer services. Spider loved nothing more than his family and puppy dogs. He also loved to tell a joke to anyone who would listen!

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Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 3, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri with Leanna van Zandt, Pastor of the United Methodist Church in Lancaster, Missouri officiating. Special CD selections will be "When I Get Where I'm Going" and "Daddy's Hands". Pallbearers will be Brent Shively, Jeremy Frederick, Quinten Smyser, Chris Campbell, Rex Kerby, and Dick Evans. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Cottey, Ronnie Whitlow, Herb Campbell and Mike Wilcox. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2014 between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 at the Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri. Memorials have been established for the Glenwood Cemetery and Schuyler County Nutrition Site. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery in Glenwood, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by logging on to normanfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of Lancaster, Missouri.