William W. "Bill" Franklin

William W. “Bill” Franklin Bill was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Sam and Claudia Franklin on July 6, 1954. He was baptized by his grandfather, The Reverend Samuel W. Franklin, at the First Methodist Church in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He attended elementary school at Ranch Heights in Bartlesville, earned hi s Eagle Scout rank while in Oklahoma City, and graduated from Tulsa Memorial High School in 1972. Bill Franklin, of Midland, Texas, passed away on December 23, 2013 at the age of 59 years, 5 months, and 17 days following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Strong in his Christian faith, honorable, smart, a gentleman, loving, kind, unselfish, and funny are a few of the words to describe Bill. He married Linda Morgan in Enid, Oklahoma on December 23, 1978; he and Linda were devoted partners and best friends throughout their marriage. In 1976, Bill graduated from Oklahoma City University with a degree in history. Bill worked for Conoco, Inc. in Ponca City from the early 1980s until 1992 when he transferred to Houston. In 1994, bill transferred to Midland and worked as a Senior Land Advisor before returning to Houston in 1999 where he was named a Chief Landman for the company. In 2006, he moved to Midland again after the corporate acquisition of Burlington Resources Oil and Gas Company. He was promoted to the title of Principal Landman and then named to be the Land Supervisor of the North Area of the Mid-Continent Business Unit. Bill elected to retire from ConocoPhillips in 2011. Shortly after his retirement, Bill joined Diamondback Energy as Vice President of Land and Business Development where he was instrumental in the company’s growth and successful IPO. A member of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), Bill was highly regarded for his integrity, sincerity, ultimate professionalism, and his satisfaction in mentoring new landmen, while maintaining his character of humility as a consummate gentleman. Bill loved playing baseball, basketball, and golf, as well as being an avid runner with his two favorite canine companions, Wilbur and Forbes. Bill is survived by his loved and devoted wife Linda Franklin of Midland, Texas; son William Walsh Franklin Jr. (Will) and daughter-in-law Kristal of Austin; his daughter Carly Ann Franklin of Austin, and his beloved grandson William Walsh Franklin III (Liam) of Austin. Other survivors include his mother, Claudia Franklin; his twin sister, Sally Ryser; his younger sister, Mary Geddie; and many wonderful cousins, nieces, a nephew, great nephews, and other loved Morgan family members. Bill took great pleasure in being with his family; he was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandpa-“Goop”. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Sam Franklin. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Pawnee on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013 with his brother-in-law, The Reverend Charles Ryser, officiating. Committal will follow at the Highland Cemetery. A reception celebrating Bill’s life will also be held in Midland with the time and date to be announced. . Bill developed a passion for the ministry of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and their disaster relief efforts and became a faithful supporter of Operation Blessing. He was also a frequent blood donor, and the family encourages anyone who can to give blood. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor the life of Bill Franklin may be made to: CBN- Operation Blessing or Western World Missions, Inc. 977 Centerville Turnpike P.O. Box 5200 Account# 140576349 San Angelo, TX 76902 Virginia Beach, VA 23463 Arrangements are entrusted to American Heritage Cemetery and Funeral Home.

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William W. "Bill" Franklin

July 6, 1954 - December 23, 2013