Willis Monroe “Boomer” Franklin 75, of Quincy, IL, died March 8, 2023, in Blessing Hospital.

He was born May, 15, 1947 in San Antonio, Texas the youngest son of Archie and Frances (White) Franklin. He married Connie Mellon on October 13, 1972 in Quincy, IL

Monroe was a retired truck driver, retiring from Sisbro Trucking in 2010. But retirement didn’t last long as he soon had 4 part time jobs. His Father-in-Law said it best – “you just can’t take the steering wheel out of his hands.” He worked for the City of Quincy driving the Quincy University bus from north campus to south campus during the school year. When he wasn’t doing that, he would deliver trucks for Knapheide Manufacturing, or golf carts for Traeder TNT Golf Car & Motorsports or drive cars for Fierge Auto Sales. He loved being on the go and meeting people, he never met a stranger.

In his free time he and Connie rode many miles traveling throughout the lower 48 states and many of the Canadian Provinces on their Honda Goldwings. He was a life member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and was a member of the Burlington, IA Chapter for nearly 40 years where he held the position of Assistant Chapter Director for most of that time.

He loved helping fellow riders work on their bikes, add accessories or “Bling” to them, or just to talk “shop.” He was always around to help out the younger boys in the neighborhood learn or work on cars, bikes, hunting, or just to talk. He just loved people and touched so many lives.

He enjoyed life and loved to laugh and joke around. He always had a story or joke to tell and had a smile on his face. Life was never dull. He treasured the time spent with family and friends and cherished them all.

In addition to his wife, Monroe is also survived by his brother Edmond (Mary) Franklin of Seguin, TX, sisters Pasty and Vera.

Sister-in-Law June Hendricks
Nieces: Nancy (Terry) Hill and Cindy (Brian) Deason
Nephew: Michael (Susie) Winfield and a great niece, Jennifer Hill and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Monroe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Pat, Brother-in-Law Rudie Hendricks and Sister-in-Law Brenda Winfield.

Visitation will be held from 2 PM until 5 PM on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. There will be no formal services. Memorials are suggested to Blessing Hospice or Quincy Humane Society. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.dukerandhaugh.com. Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.