John "Butch" Franklin '74 was lost at sea November 20, 1979 when his F-4 Phantom Jet crashed during night landing operations USS Independence in the Mediterranean.
"Lt Franklin, born June 5, 1952, is a native Tuscaloosan. He received his elementary education in Tuscaloosa city schools. His junior high and high school years were spent in Jacksonville, Alabama, where he graduated from Jacksonville High School. He was a 1974 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, and a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.
"Lt Franklin was ranked 36th in a class of 923 at the Naval Academy and was sent to the Naval Postgraduate School in California to complete his Masters degree. He served as 6th Company Commander at the Academy and was named to the Dean's and Superintendent's lists each semester. His excellent personal scholarship earned for him the coveted Henry M. Roberts Award, presented to the midshipman with the most promising future in Mathematical Studies. He was named one of ten selected for Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. Franklin served his country with distinction and honor, his pride and devotion were unsurpassed.
"Since graduation, he has been attached to Fighter Squadron Thirty-Three, based at U. S. Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Lt. Judith Brown Franklin, formerly with the United States Navy Nurse Corps, Virginia Beach, VA; his mother, Mary Nell Franklin, Tuscaloosa; brother Lt Mike Franklin, USN, Leonardtown, MD; sister Rhonda S. Franklin Miller, Birmingham, and grandmother Theo Franklin, Tuscaloosa.
"Lt Franklin resided with his wife Judy, at 1852 Blue Knob Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464."
