Ben L. Franklin

Ben L. Franklin of Sulphur attained the heavenly rest promised by his Lord on November 9, 2017, following a long battle with cancer and liver disease. Born January 3, 1944, in Lake Charles, La., Mr. Franklin was raised in Bayou D’Inde, La. He was a graduate of Westlake High School and McNeese State University. He began full-time work at age 15 as a bagger at the A&P Grocery Store in Maplewood, La., and went on to have a long career in insurance and risk management with General Adjustment Bureau (GAB), the City of Lake Charles, and most recently the Calcasieu Parish School Board. After retiring, Mr. Franklin spent his last years enjoying time with his two grandsons.

Mr. Franklin leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter for all who knew him well. He loved bad puns, watching sports, and sharing good meals with family and friends. Mr. Franklin spent much of his life helping others—most often behind the scenes and without a desire for any public recognition.

Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, R.D. and Marena Vincent Franklin; two sisters, Patsy Franklin and Jessie Mae Trahan; and one brother, Leon Theriot. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Janet Kaye Eccles Franklin; one son, Rev. Benjamin Franklin, and wife, Amanda of New Orleans; two grandsons, Benjamin Paul and Brooks Samuel Franklin; one sister, Jackie Squyres and husband, Lawrence of Beaumont; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Franklin was a lifelong follower of Christ and a member of Glad Tidings Church in Lake Charles. He most recently attended church with his son at Saint Luke Assembly of God in New Orleans. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to Saint Luke Assembly of God or Glad Tidings Church.

Mr. Franklin’s family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15, at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Rev. Benjamin Franklin and Rev. Dr. Teresa Reiger will officiate. Interment will follow in Mimosa Pines Cemetery, Carlyss.

“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest…” (Hebrews 4:9-11a)