Vernie Leland Franklin

Vernie Leland Franklin, 90, of Cape Coral, FL, devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026. He was born in Nashville, TN on November 13,1935 and grew up in Lake City, IL.

He was known as "Bubby" to all his siblings and "Papa" to all his grandchildren.

Vernie proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 21 years. When stationed in England in 1956, he met the love of his life, Lilian May Glades Hayday and were married March 25, 1957. Their loving partnership became the foundation of a life centered on family and devotion. Vernie retired from the Air Force with the rank of Technical Sergeant in 1973. After his military career Vernie worked for an additional 20 years as a Printing Press Operator at James Rivers Corporation. After retiring for the second time in 1993, Vernie and Lilian sought out the warmer climate of Southwest Florida and settled in Cape Coral, FL where they enjoyed the sunshine and a visits from their family and friends during their retirement years.

He is survived by his six siblings, Clara Louise (Seeley) Franklin, Edna Marie (Jean) Franklin, Emily May (Helmuth) Franklin, Anthony Cordell Franklin, Evelyn Rose (Creek) Franklin and Stanley Leon Franklin; two surviving sons, Francis Leon Franklin and Michael Cordell Franklin; five loving grandchildren, Jennifer (Welsch) Carwana, Britni (Johnson) Franklin, Brandy Franklin, Mercedes Franklin and Carson Franklin; five great-grandchilden, Oliver Welsch, Nora Welsch, Syria Johnson, Xander Johnson and Alexandra Robinson.

Vernie was preceded in death by his father Leland Cordell Franklin, mother Eunice Lena (Doss) and three siblings Novis Wayne Franklin, Charles Linville Franklin and Violet Evonne Franklin. His angelic loving wife Lilian May Glades (Hayday) Franklin, daughter Lynette Jean (Carwana) Franklin and granddaughter Traci Carwana (please donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Fund).

Vernie will be remembered and was very proud of his service to this country, his devotion to his wife and family, and the many lives he touched throughout his life. He will be missed and forever remembered.

Entombment will take place at Coral Ridge Cemetery, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S, Cape Coral, FL 33991, on March 17th at 10am.