Julian Rex Franklin

Franklin, Julian Rex
known to his friends as Rex, of Corrales, NM passed away on July 7, 2015. He was born October 27, 1926 in Big Sandy, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Rex Franklin and Pauline (Haigwood) Franklin; his wife, Martha Joanne Franklin; his daughter, Joanne Marie Franklin; and his son, John Rex Franklin II. He is survived by his sister, Ellen Iola Johnston; his daughter, Mary Ellen Underwood; his granddaughters, Julianne Marie Ogilvie, Joanne Ogilvie; his grandson, Justin Ray Franklin; and great grandson, Julian Colt Furru.  Rex was a Navy Veteran and was in the first class of NAVDCAD cadets to be commissioned Midshipmen in the USN. He was also in the last class to complete primary flight training in the "Yellow Peril" the affectionate name for the open cock pit wing "Stearman" trainer. He graduated from Texas A&M College in 1950 and was employed by several Federal Agencies. While employed at the Jicarilla Indian Agency he met and married his beloved Joanne Biffle. While employed at the Mescalero Indian Agency he was selected to participate in the US Department of the Interior's Management Training Program. After several years as a Natural Resources Engineer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he was employed by the US Air Force as Program and Plans Engineer where he was responsible for determining facility needs for Walker Air Force Base. The Bureau of Indian Affairs recalled him as Facility Manager at the Crownpoint Agency on the Navajo Area. He subsequently served in several engineering positions before being promoted to Assistant Area Director in 1972. In 1978 he was promoted to Chief Safety Manager of the Bureau where he was headquartered in Washington DC. He was awarded The Department of Interior's Distinguished Service Award in December of 1981 after he retired earlier that year. After retirement he was employed by Albuquerque Testing Laboratory until it was acquired by another company. Rex and the former manager of Albuquerque Testing Laboratory then formed Testing Consultants Inc. where a variety of material testing  and consulting activities were conducted. He retired from that company in 1991. He was able to relocate his Safety Division to Albuquerque in 1978. He moved the family to Corrales in 1979 and developed an interest in grape growing. He joined the New Mexico Vine and Wine Society where he held several offices at the chapter and the state levels. He was Membership Secretary for many years. He was a member of the Corrales Village Council from 1984-1988 and was an active member of San Ysidro Catholic Church where he was a member of the Parish Finance Committee, The Pastoral Council, Lector and a Extraordinary Minister of the Blessed Sacrament. In 2006 Rex was presented the Saint Francis of Assisi Award by Archbishop Michael Sheehan. He was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus. He was initiated into the Knights in 1961 while a member of Council 3030 in Roswell, NM. Rex maintained his membership after he left Roswell and held all of the officer positions in several other councils. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his work with the Navajo youth. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 6:00pm at the San Ysidro Catholic Church in Corrales, New Mexico followed by a Rosary at 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial, by Pastor James McGown, will be celebrated on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 10:00am at San Ysidro Church Interment will follow at the San Ysidro Cemetery.  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
4310 Sara Rd SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-9920