Link for Doug W. Franklin's Memorial Service: https://boxcast.tv/view/doug-franklin-celebration-of-life-ipdwhyieegkty2vvsb8f

Doug Franklin, a proud and passionate person who left a legacy of grace and love everywhere he served, unexpectedly passed away at his home on August 31, 2026. He was 55.

The only earthly things he loved more than the beach and the Kansas City Royals were his family. His love of community stretched far beyond the building.

Born in Kansas City, MO, on July 16, 1971, Doug was the youngest child of Dave Franklin and Jacquelyn (Gage) VanBlarcum and grew up as one of eight in the Franklin/Sexton household. Doug graduated from Collins-Maxwell High School in 1989.

He was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity at Northwest Missouri State University and later graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in history. He continued his education at St. Paul School of Theology, earning a Master of Divinity.

Doug wore many hats throughout the course of his life, but ultimately was a natural teacher.

For the past six years, he has been one of the pastors at North Star United Methodist Church, where he refused to “play church” and lived the love of Jesus. He started his ministry in the United Methodist Church in 2001 at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. He continued at Smith Chapel in Marshall, MO, Prairie Chapel in Urbana, MO, and Dockery Chapel in Trenton, MO.

When Doug was not at the church, he was serving elsewhere in the community. He served as a chaplain and firefighter for the Trenton Fire Department and Grundy County Rural Fire Protection District from 2009 through 2020, during which he was promoted to lieutenant in 2015 and became a training officer in charge of future firefighters. In 2016, he became an EMT for Grundy County Emergency Medical Services.

While working his shift at the firehouse, he continued to “connect the unconnected” by talking about Jesus with many first responders and the public.

He was an advocate for teachers, having served on the Trenton R-IX School Board for six years, including the last three as president. On top of that, Doug worked as an adjunct professor for North Central Missouri College, teaching world religion and fire science.

Doug was also a published author. He wrote “Stop Playing Church,” an invitation to authentic discipleship, to stop acting like “Christians act” and doing things “Christians do,” and to be followers of Jesus.

He loved doing life together. He believed the church was the people. He gathered to camp, sit down at a table, and celebrate regardless of any inconvenience to himself. He showed up for people. He was not perfect and wasn’t afraid of it. His selfless nature was evident to everyone he came across.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Maryle Franklin, Jacquelyn and David VanBlarkum.

Doug is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nicole (Fryer) Franklin of Liberty, MO, his children Tucker Franklin (Tara Garcia) of Independence, MO, Tanner Franklin (Cher Karnes) of Liberty, MO, Delaney (Bryan) Cox of Spickard, MO, and Darbey Franklin of Liberty, MO. Siblings Cindy (Craig) Mitchell of Collins, IA, Mike (Kristi Powers) Sexton of Woodward, IA, Ron (Amy) Franklin of Warrensburg, MO, Rhonda Day of Des Moines, IA, Juli (David) White of Indianapolis, IN, Todd (Becky) Sexton of Collins, and Bob (Anne) Franklin of Nashville TN and Phil (Dawn) VanBlarcum of Indianapolis, IN and in-laws Jim and Billie Fryer of Liberty.

The celebration of life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, September 5th at Platte Woods United Methodist Church, where he and Nicole were married, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Doug’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Doug Franklin Memorial Fund.

Carpe the diem.