Leslie L. “Les” Franklin, Jr., 67, Denison, KS, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at his home. He was born April 5, 1952 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Leslie L. Franklin, Sr. and Mildred (Byers) Franklin.

          Les graduated from Midway Denton High School in 1970. He grew up in the Denton community and also lived in Soldier, KS and San Angelo, TX. After high school he worked for Atchison Casting. He also farmed and was an over-the-road truckdriver. He later worked as a rural mail carrier, serving the areas of Robinson, Goodland, Soldier, Havensville and Circleville.

          Les enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s activities. Socializing with friends and dancing! After returning to Kansas he enjoyed reconnecting with his adult children.

          He married Shirley Norris on May 13, 1972 in Branson, MO; they later divorced. To this union 3 children were born, Wendy, Jason and Tracy.

          He married Jennifer Emert on December 22, 1990 in Branson, MO; they later divorced.

          Survivors include 2 daughters, Wendy Johnson of St. Marys, KS and Tracy Catlin (Ted) of Topeka, KS; a son, Jason Franklin of Topeka, KS; 2 step-daughters, Briana Coplin of Topeka, KS and Maggi Emert of Holton, KS; step-son, Breck Emert of Kent, WA; 3 sisters, Arlene Kuhnert (Wayne) of Bendena, KS, Sandra Maxwell (Ray) of Virginia Beach, VA and Marcille Hanlan of Blue Springs, MO and 7 grandchildren, Ty, Allie and Jayla Johnson, Taelyn and Cooper Catlin and Ferris and Elli Coplin.

          He was preceded in death by his parents; a stillborn infant brother and brother-in-law, Ron Hanlan.

          Family will greet friends from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 2019 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Les Franklin Memorial Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.