James Edward "Joe" Franklin, 61, a native of Alice, Texas, and resident of Mathews, died at 4:20 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until funeral time Saturday at St. Hilary of Poitiers Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with burial in Resurrection Memorial Park Cemetery in Mathews.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Z. Franklin; two daughters, Julia Bourg and husband, Patrick, and Aimee Vedros and husband, Cody; two sisters, Glenda Rae LeBlanc and Starley Goss; and four grandchildren, Madison, Brax, Gannon Bourg and Landon Vedros.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucille Franklin; and one sister, Johnnie Mack Hau.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He was an employee of gulf Island Fabrication, Inc. for 27 years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Savior Catholic School or St. Mary's Catholic School.
Falgout Funeral Home in Raceland is in charge of arrangements.