Gary Franklin, 73

Gary Keith Franklin passed on to the Father and reunited with his wife early Monday morning Sept. 21, 2020. Gary has joined his wife Bess Laird Franklin, of 43 years, who passed Nov. 2, 2019.

Gary was born in Eureka on July 21, 1947, was raised in Fortine and, following high school, enlisted in the Navy.

Gary had a career with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy, then undersheriff. He and Bess traveled in the Western U.S. for a few years managing motels. They then moved to Laurel, Montana, and owned and operated Welcome Travelers Motel for 27 years until they retired.

Gary is survived by brothers Terry Franklin and John Franklin, and sister Karla Parmer, all of Kalispell, stepsons Dirk Potter of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Kent Potter (Stephanie) in Laurel.

Cremation has taken place and burial will be in Ekalaka at a future date.