Luke William Franklin, our beloved firstborn, left us on the 27th of September 2019. He came joyfully to us on July 30th 1987. Through trials and tribulations, as well as many wonderful and loving memories, we were blessed to have this caring and brilliant young man with us for 32 years.
Luke graduated with high honors from Douglas County High School in 2005. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, from prestigious Macalester College in 2009. From there Luke attended Denver University, and earned his Master of Fine Arts from the Josef Korbel School in Slavic Languages and Literatures. Subsequently, he received his Master of Arts in Slavic Languages and Literatures from the University of Kansas. Luke was accepted by the University of Kansas Doctoral program for Russian Languages and Eastern European Literatures. Luke took leave from the program after two years, and unfortunately was not able to complete the program.
We want to take this opportunity to thank the numerous educators and school staff members who recognized Luke’s love for learning. Every one of you made a positive contribution to his life. Luke loved learning and knowledge above all. He passionately wanted to teach, but it was never to be. He unfortunately became despondent and battled anxiety and self-recrimination fueled by alcoholism. Despite ceaseless efforts by Luke and his family to find answers and help that would prevent us from this anguish, Luke lost all hope.
Luke is survived by his father and mother, Mark and Deborah Franklin (Castle Rock, Co), brother Mark (Castle Rock) and sister Eden (Kansas City, MO). Luke was predeceased by his grandparents Wilburt and Mary Lou Franklin (Goodland, Ks.) and Bill and Flora Link (Kiowa, Co). He leaves behind many family members, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins, as well as a host of dear friends from childhood to his adult years.
We thank you for the outpouring of prayers, love and care we have already received from many of you who were touched by the life of our precious Luke Franklin.
In lieu of flowers we encourage you to consider a memorial gift in Luke’s honor to Heifer Intl. and/or Douglas County Mental Health. One of Luke’s passions was caring for people who struggled to have the bare necessities in life. We, Luke’s family, are passionate about reaching out to encourage everyone to be aware of the desperate need for hope and healing through increased attention to mental health awareness and action.
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