Roll Call Tribute

Christopher Thomas Franklin, COL USMC (Ret)

November 7, 1952 - December 18, 2023 

Christopher Thomas Franklin was born on November 7, 1952 in Beaumont, Texas to Iris Geraldine and Milton Thomas Franklin. He passed through the veil into Paradise on December 18, 2023.

Christopher graduated from Lafayette High School in Lafayette, LA, in 1970. He then attended Texas A&M University where he graduated in 1974 with his first degree in Recreation and Parks and on the same day was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, where he served more than 32 years active and reserve duty, rising to the rank of Colonel. His final assignment was Chief of Staff, 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan. He honorably retired from the USMC in 2004. Following four years active duty, Christopher went back to Texas A&M and obtained his second degree in Geology, and later went on to obtain an MBA degree. His professional career as a geologist in the oil industry, working for O’Connor-Braman and TC Oil in Victoria, Texas spanned 36 years.

Christopher married Patricia Dale Andrews in 1981. They were married for 35 years. Patricia suffered from Early Onset Dementia the last 10 years of their marriage and Christopher faithfully and lovingly cared for his wife until her death in 2016.

Following his retirement from the oil industry, Christopher moved to Woodland Park, Colorado and attended Charis Bible College, graduating in 2021. There, in 2019, he met his beautiful wife, Lindsey Pullen, and they were married on January 12, 2021 in Cripple Creek, Colorado. The great joy of them having found each other was obvious to many. Their life together brought a whole new, higher, joyous meaning to both their lives. Their three years of marriage were filled with profound happiness and contentment beyond their highest expectations. They enjoyed life together decorating and remodeling their beautiful home in Woodland Park. The local neighborhood residents will enjoy for years, the grove of twenty-four, 18 feet tall beautiful Blue Spruce trees Christopher had planted in front of their house. They delighted in their spiritual life in a profound unity, worshipping, studying the scriptures, and praying together every day. Their devotion to each other and to the Savior as they lived each day was truly remarkable and admirable.

Christopher Franklin was an extraordinary man, journeying through life as a true, devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He was a beautiful example of one who lived the two great commandments, loving his God, and his fellow man with all his heart, soul, and mind. He performed generous and loving services to many people, always concerned for the other person more than himself. These many acts of loving kindness were always done in a quiet, unassuming way and anonymous to the community around him.

Colonel Franklin remained a true friend and expressed great pride and love for all his Marine Corps buddies, whether officer or enlisted Marine. Christopher had a profound impact for good and blessed the lives of all who knew him. His kind influence will be felt by many lives for years to come. Those who knew him are deeply saddened by his unexpected departure, but fully trust in God’s love and promises over Christopher to have safely brought him to his heavenly home. 

Christopher is preceded in death by his mother Iris Geraldine and father Milton Thomas Franklin, and his brother Todd Franklin. He is survived by his wife Lindsey Franklin of Woodland Park, CO, his sister Pamela Franklin of Brusly, LA, his brother Jay Franklin of Rineyville, KY, and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.