Roll Call Tribute

Weldon Clifford "Cliff" Franklin, Sr. 

December 15, 1937 - November 27, 2025 

Weldon Clifford Franklin, Sr., of Dallas, TX, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, 27 November 2025. Born on 15 December 1937 in McKinney, TX, Cliff was a devoted husband, loving father, dedicated engineer, and Christ follower who committed his life to Christ, his family and community.

He was known for his honest, get it done life. He grew up in Paris, TX and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1960 with a degree in Civil Engineering followed by a master’s degree also in Civil Engineering. Cliff went on to serve in the US Army as a commissioned officer in the storied First Armored Division (Old Ironsides), Fort Hood, TX. Cliff was awarded military honors for his deployment leadership and service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After military service he began his civil engineering career serving several Texas communities as a city planner/engineer. Cliff eventually settled with his family in the DFW area with the Dallas Transit System, rising to the top leadership position at DTS.

Following his time with DTS, Cliff went to work for his alma mater, Texas A&M’s Engineering Task Force, as a project engineer on two projects – 1. The widening of the central artery in Dallas (Texas State Highway 75), running through the heart of Dallas, Texas. 2. The construction and completion of the “High Five Interchange”, the first five level stack interchange in the US at Interstate 635 & Highway 75. Completion was 13 months ahead of schedule and underbudget – both projects are classic Cliff Franklin – precise, early, and completed as planned.

In addition to his family and professional life, Cliff was involved with the community. He served for several decades in leadership at the United Methodist Church of Plano, TX. He was active for many years in Dallas’ Early Head Start program. Cliff was involved for decades in the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Eagle Scout. His late son, Cliff, was an Eagle, his son, Matt, is an Eagle, his grandsons, Beau & Cole, are Eagles and his grandson in law, John, is an Eagle.

Cliff is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betsy Rosse Franklin; his youngest son, Matt Franklin, daughter in law, Anne Franklin; three grandchildren, Chloe Franklin Long (husband, John Long), Beau Franklin and Cole Franklin; great grandchildren, Alice Long, Margot Long, and Henry Long. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Weldon Clifford (“Cliff”) Franklin, Jr., his parents Walter & Geneva Franklin and sister Anita Franklin Roden. A memorial service will be held at CC Young, Christ Chapel, Vista Bldg. 2nd Floor, 4849 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, TX 75214 on 28 December 2025 at 3:30pm local time.