Samuel Harry Franklin was born on December 17, 1938, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the son of Dr. Samuel Ewing Franklin and Ruby Olivia Culbertson. He was united in holy matrimony to Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Mook, his high school sweetheart, and they were fortunate enough to spend 55 years together. This union was blessed with three daughters. He quietly departed this life on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at his home in Tulsa. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Samuel Ewing Franklin, his mother, Ruby Olivia Franklin, and his sister, Lois Maurine Baker.

He was the grandson of Dr. Onis Franklin who practiced medicine in Broken Arrow for nearly 60 years, from 1904 to 1963. After World War II, Dr. Franklin and his son, Dr. S.E. Franklin, established Broken Arrow's first modern hospital on Main Street in Broken Arrow. The South Elm hospital was built by the Franklin Foundation. It opened in the 1970's and was named Franklin Memorial Hospital in honor of the Franklin doctors.

Samuel H. Franklin was mechanically inclined from a very young age. This passion developed into a lifelong career as an engineer. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma he worked at Braden Winch and developed his skills as an engineer. In 1971, he purchased a plot of land in Broken Arrow to house his business, Samson Scales. He designed, manufactured, and sold his scales all over the world. His business later expanded to include commercial real estate. Mr. Franklin was an active member of the National Association of Mechanical Engineers and held five patents of his own design.

Mr. Franklin was very active. He had a passion for racing his Alpha Romeo in his early years and later flying planes and helicopters, a hobby he enjoyed for over forty years. He and Betsy cherished days at their lake house on Grand Lake with their children and grandchildren. Living life to the fullest, Sam took great pride in exercising every day. He was an amazing father and grandfather; he eagerly supported and comforted his children and grandchildren in every sport, play, concert, cheer competition and dance recital. Being their number one fan came easy for Sam. His smile and affection became a cornerstone for his family. His kindness was immeasurable not only to his family, but also to complete strangers. He cared especially for those in need. This kindness reached across all divides and these qualities are already evident in his children and grandchildren.

His amazing life will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife, Mary Elizabeth Franklin; his children: Julie Maurine Harris of Pottsboro, Texas, Jennie Louise Pearce of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Janet Marie Neal of Jenks, Oklahoma; son-in-law's: David Hamilton Harris, Richard Gregory Pearce, and Michael Sherrod Neal; eight grandchildren: Richard Samuel Pearce and his wife Presley Pearce, Travis Gregory Pearce, Noah Hamilton Harris, Ethan Holland Harris, Michael Zachary Neal, Zoe Elizabeth Neal, Ruby Louise Harris, and Mai Marie Harris.

He flew away in the arms of an angel to be with his Lord and Savior on September 27, 2016.

Because of his love for animals, in lieu of flowers and cards, his family has requested donations in his name to a local animal shelter.

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500