OBITUARY: Sarah Oatman Franklin, 76, of Llano dies July 10, 2014
Sarah Oatman Franklin, a lifelong resident of Llano and part of an Oatman legacy dedicated to preserving the history of the city of Llano, passed away peacefully July 10, 2014. She was born Sept. 27, 1937, in Llano to Wilburn and Frances (Hicks) Oatman.
Sarah was a dedicated mom, attending almost every function in which her two boys were involved. While serving as class mom for years, attending booster club meetings and spending many summers driving to distant swim meets at the crack of dawn, Sarah still had the energy and desire to support the city of Llano, serve positions at the Episcopal church and volunteer her time to many other organizations in the place she has always called home.
Her most recent successes came as the director of Llano’s first Main Street Program. As director, she was involved with initiating the lighting of the courthouse, the Walkway of Lights at Badu Park, the Fourth of July fireworks, numerous events at the LanTex Theater, the community-wide garage sale and several other annual events. She helped found and worked closely with the Llano Merchants Association.
Her knowledge and passion of Llano’s history was invaluable while co-authoring two books: “Cobwebs and Cornerstones” and “Continuing the Journey.” Funds from the sale of “Cobwebs and Cornerstones” helped the Junior Women’s Culture Club build the courthouse gazebo, and the books presence can be seen in libraries across Texas including the Library of Congress. She was also involved with her dad, Wilburn Oatman, in reprinting and updating her grandfather’s book, “Llano County, Gem of the Hill Country.”
She volunteered her time serving on the Llano City Council, as a Daughter of the King with the Episcopal church and on the Llano Rail Association and participated in surrounding community fundraising style shows. Sarah was also a member of the Llano Historical Society, a chairperson for the historical commission and worked hard to preserve the history of the Llano County Jail. Through her multitude of various activities and venues, Sarah worked tirelessly and gave generously of her time to support the growth and betterment of Llano.
Born with the bug for travel, Sarah was fortunate to turn this interest into careers that allowed her to see destinations around the world. She worked for years as a travel agent in Llano, followed by several seasons as a guide on Mississippi Riverboat Tours.
Sarah had a gift of welcoming newcomers into the community and a knack for coercing others to assist with community involvement. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and people genuinely enjoyed working with her.
Even after retiring, Sarah never slowed down. She enjoyed her antique business, attending her grandson’s football games, traveling with her boys and their wives and spending time with her treasured friends. She was a true citizen who will be missed by many.
Sarah graduated from Llano High School, attended San Angelo Junior College and Southwestern and graduated from Texas Christian University. She continued to stay in touch with her childhood and college friends as well as her Tri Delta sisters.
Survivors include her two sons, Trey Franklin and wife Heather of Horseshoe Bay and Lance Franklin and wife Celice of Lakeway; brother, Sam Oatman of Llano; former husband, Ted Franklin of Llano; grandson, Wesley Moyar of Horseshoe Bay; nephew, Theron Oatman; niece, Jeannette Whitus; and countless friends she was blessed to have.
A memorial service is 2 p.m. July 17 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300, with the Rev. Jerry Sneary officiating. A reception will follow at Grace Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Association, Grace Episcopal Church in Llano or the charity of your choice.
Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.