Oliver Preston Franklin, age 79, of Paris, Illinois passed away at 10:27 AM on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at The Haven of Paris.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the funeral home with Military Honors conducted by the Paris American Legion Post #211.

Oliver was born on August 6, 1947, in West Union, Illinois to Oliver Avery and Dovie Ethel (Duncan) Franklin.

Oliver proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and National Guard. During the Vietnam War, he served as a helicopter mechanic. Following his military service, Oliver worked for MECO for many years, Midwest Truck Body, Bennetts Trailer Court, and retired from Marshall Auto and Tire.

He is survived by his son: Oliver Franklin of Robinson, Illinois; his sister: Mary Ferran of Kentucky; his grandchildren: Raiff Buttler, Kasondra Whitlatch, and Ashley “Short Shit” Budd all of Paris, Illinois; his great grandchildren: Zaiden Powell, Anna Switzer, Noah Kennedy, Aliyah Budd, and James Budd Jr. all of Paris, Illinois; his nephews Earl Ferran and Jeremiah Ferran of Kentucky; his step children: Johnny Fitzsimmons (Gail) of Paris, Joanne Fitzsimmons of Robinson, Illinois, and Jerry Fitzsimmons of Paris, Illinois.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Steve Ferran.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home to help offset funeral expenses.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com