Leslie William "Jack the Bear" Franklin, 59, Lincoln passed away at home with his family present on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005.  Retired, Franklin Home Furnishings, independent sales/marketing.  Member:  First Evangelical Covenant Church; lifetime member, director and chaplain, Lincoln Jaycees; active member, Doan College Capital City Chapter.  Lincoln High School, class of 1963, class liaison.  Attended the University of Nebraska.  Graduate, Doane College.  Served, Doane College Alumni Council.  Sang in the church choir; served on the worship committee.  Enjoyed history and traveled to all 50 states.  Visited all presidential homes, birth sites.  Avid sports enthusiast and loyal Husker fan.

Survivors:  wife, Prenda (Pittam) Franklin, Lincoln; sons, Leslie William Franklin II, Trevor Lyle Franklin, both Lincoln; brothers, sisters-in-law, Lyle Douglas and Beverly Franklin, Springfield VA, Layne and Lina Franklin, Flower Mound, TX; sister, brother-in-law, Shelley and Kevin Belka, Columbia, SC; mother, e;Ruth Franklin, Lincoln; like a daughter, Kelly, Lincoln; 12 nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by father, Lyle.

Memorial services:  noon Thursday; First Evangelical Covenant Church, 6024 L St. Lincoln Memorial Park.  No viewing; cremation.  Visitation:  9 am - 0 pm today, Wednesday, with family 6-9 pm Wednesday, all Butherus, Maser and Love Funeral Home, 4040 A St.  Memorials to the American Cancer Society or First Evangelical Covenant Church.  

Lincoln Journal Star - Tue, Feb 1, 2005 - Page 12