Franklin G. Stecher, longtime Woodward resident, passed from this life on November 2, 2010 at the age of 96. Franklin was born October 9, 1914, in Fort Supply, Oklahoma, to Herman and Ollie (Reimschneider) Stecher. He attended elementary school in Fort Supply and graduated from Woodward High School.

Franklin was united in marriage to Miss Mildred Balch in Durant, Oklahoma. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Steven. The family made their home in Durant for a time before moving to Woodward, Oklahoma

Franklin proudly served in the United States Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was honorably discharged.

Franklin owned and operated Stecher Funeral Home in Woodward for 39 years. He was a licensed Funeral Director for over 60 years. He was a member of the Woodward First Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, VFW, Oklahoma Shrine, and the Plains Museum.

Family members preceding him in death are his wife, Mildred; parents, Herman and Ollie Stecher; sister, Raye Cummings and brother, Roland Stecher. Survivors include son, Steven Stecher and wife Sarah of Tulsa, Oklahoma; niece, Connie Pennell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; very special friend, Wanda Williams, and a host of others.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Franklin's caregivers, Barbara Nielsen, Kim Shelly, and Amber (Mann) Whitman.