Franklin Bryant Whiteley

Franklin Bryant Whiteley, 61, of Kaufman, TX went to be with the Lord on August 18, 2026. Bryant was born on October 26, 1964, to Howard Whiteley and Mary Ann Williamson in Kaufman, TX. He attended elementary & middle school in Kemp before moving to Crandall where he graduated in 1983. On May 30, 1986, he married the love of his life, Lana Stephens. Bryant and Lana spent a loving forty years together. In February 1986 he joined the United States Air Force, serving for over twenty-two and a half years, earning the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, before retiring in June 2008. During his time with the Air Force, he served as a military training instructor, becoming a blue rope as a reserve instructor. He then served as an Air Force Reserve Recruiter and stayed in recruiting for the remainder of his career. During his time in the military he earned his master's degree in curriculum development. After retiring he worked as a contractor for several years before joining SWBC as a Senior Project Manager in real estate for the past 6 years. Bryant enjoyed spending time in his shop restoring old trucks, building things from nothing and working with his hands. He was most proud of his 1953 Chevy Truck. Bryant and Lana loved taking vacations together, usually on a cruise. Above all what he loved most was spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Bryant was a caring person who would lend a helping hand to anyone. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother-in-law and Uncle. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Mary. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lana, children: Tyler Bryant Whiteley, Joshua Trey Whiteley and wife Lexi, and Taylor Brooke Henry and husband Zach; grandchildren: Blaine Richmond, Anastasia Whiteley, Sloan Whiteley, Harlow Whiteley, Hayden Henry, and Laken Henry; mother-in-law Juanita Freiley; brothers-in-law: Coy Worden, Tony Stephens and wife Donna, Tommy Ray Stephens, and Randy Copeland and wife Shannon; sister-in-law Janice Brewer and husband Jerry; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.