Franklin Irvin Makinson

Franklin Irvin Makinson, 67, of Checotah, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Frank was born on February 12, 1944 in Beaver Mountain, Oklahoma to Vernon Victor and Myrtle Josephine (Ballard) Makinson. He attended and graduated from Morris High School in 1963. Frank received his Associate’s Degree in Science from Connors State College in 1965. In 1967, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Art from East Central University. Ten years later, Frank received his Master’s Degree in Education from Northeastern State University and attended both Tulsa University and Oklahoma State University. He taught school for 15 years at Midway and Pocola and 7 years at Wainwright, retiring in 2007. During the last 15 years, Frank wrote grants and received a lot of money for the Pocola School System. He was 4th in the Nation in grant writing and received his award in Washington, D.C. Frank enjoyed playing ball with his grandkids. He loved to exercise and run. He and his brother liked to walk in the Hoffman Bottoms. Frank also loved to read and travel, even traveling on the spur of the moment. Survivors include: one daughter, Lana Jo Belcher and husband, Gregg, of Eufaula, OK; four brothers, Vernie Makinson and wife, Lee, of Tulsa, OK; Dean Makinson, of Sapulpa, OK; Arnold Makinson and wife, Marsha; Wayne Makinson and wife, Carol, both of Morris, OK; four sisters, Mary Jane Reynolds and husband, David, of Morris, OK; Ann Wiggins, of Tulsa, OK; Janet Kellough and husband, Jerrett, of Midwest City, OK; Nancy Brown and husband, Wendell, of Jay, OK; and three grandchildren, Drew Franklin Wren; Dakota Joe and Sequoyah Levi Estep. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Myrtle Makinson; one daughter, Rebecca Jane; three brothers, Ernie, Terry, an infant brother; and two infant sisters.