LaGRANGE, Ga. — First Lt. Allen Romeo Franklin, (U.S. Army, retired), 77, of LaGrange, Ga. passed on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Hospice LaGrange. First Lt. Franklin was born September 21,1940 to the parentage of the late Charles S. and Geneva B. Franklin in Newport News, Va.

Allen entered the military at the age of 17. He joined the United States Army, where he received numerous awards for outstanding leadership and skills. He was a proud member of the Elite Special Forces and Rangers. Allen served three tours in Vietnam, earning the National Defense Service Medal and two Bronze Star Medals of Valor for conflict with a hostile force. After 21 years of service, Allen retired from the U.S. Army with rank of first lieutenant.

He was a graduate of Troy State, receiving degrees in criminal justice and contract law. He became Chief of Veterans Affairs. Allen retired from Russell Federal Court in Atlanta, Ga.

Allen was a member the Bethlehem Baptist Church, where served as a deacon, a member of the security ministry, and with the men’s fellowship.

He was preceded in death by two children, William Malone Franklin and Angel Renae Franklin.

Allen leaves to cherish his legacy, his devoted wife for 41 years, Miranda Leigh Franklin; five children, Allen Jr., Charles Sumner (Charlotte), Bijai (Terry), Bethel Vaushun (Crystal) and Francisco Denarro; 21 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1 p.m. EST at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, West Point, Ga. with the Dr. W.T. Edmondson, pastor, serving as the eulogist.

Please visit our website to express online condolences at www.mwleemortuary.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to M.W. Lee Mortuary, West Point.