Franklin E. Baskins

Mr. Franklin Ezra Baskins, 84, of Wynne, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Frank was born on June 14, 1940, to Lynn Baskins and Jewel (Borden) Baskins. He was the oldest of eight children. Frank married Brenda (Stafford) Baskins after a short courtship, on April 9, 1965, and they spent almost 60 years together before his passing. He and Brenda enjoyed a very happy and full life. Brenda was the epitome of a helpmate during the last year of Frank’s life. Frank and Brenda welcomed two children in their union who survive him: Michelle (Chris) Parnell of Wynne and Shane Baskins of Conway. Frank was “PawPaw” to five lucky grandchildren: Cindy Brooks, Chelsey O’Dell, Abby Callahan, Tori Kemp and Taylor Parnell and fifteen great-grandchildren. Two of the great-grandkids held a “special spot” in Frank and Brenda’s home and lives – A.J. St. Clair and Makenzie Jones. Frank was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother, Donald Baskins and his nephew, Carl Baskins. He is also survived by three brothers; J.T. (Kathy) Baskins, Carroll (Cookie) Baskins and Larry (Chong) Baskins all of Colt, as well as three sisters; Dorothy (Leonard) Myers of Forrest City, Mary Cundiff of Jacksonville and Marie (Scott) Townsend of Jonesboro and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Baskins. Frank had many interests throughout his life. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, dancing and music. He was a self-taught musician who played guitar, harmonica and piano. Frank loved singing and playing music with his church, Three Trees Cowboy Church. He helped with the building of his church and previously taught youth groups and Sunday school. Family and friends were central to his life and he never met a stranger. He loved to share his faith, tell others about Jesus, and asked where they went to church. Frank was in service to others, took care of various friends and family members, fed numerous people and opened his heart and home. Frank was known to be a “family man” bigger than life. During his final days, his children learned more about Frank’s Christian Walk; he was selfless in ways they had never known. Truly a servant, he cared for his family and friends more than any material thing; Frank was eternally minded. He was a good, good father and a true example of The Father. His time here has ended, but he is waiting for all of those he cared for so deeply to join him. He loved hard and it’s very difficult to say goodbye. Lastly, Frank would want you to know that God loves you. Services for Frank will be graveside on Sunday, February 23rd at 2 p.m. at Loughridge Cemetery in Colt, with Pastor Tracy Wilson officiating.

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Franklin E. Baskins

June 14, 1940 - February 20, 2025