Franklin D. Gholson

Franklin D. Gholson, age 81 passed away Thursday 23, 2017. Frank known to all as “Armadillo’ was born in a bean field in southern Illinois September 4, 1936. He left behind his son Douglas Gholson, daughter Debbie (Gholson) Bromley, and three granddaughters. Heather Gholson, Amber Gholson, and Brittany Bromley. And three great granddaughters, Lila Bettinger, Kayelyn Bettinger and Cadence Guthrie.

Old Armadillo worked for the United States Department of Defense for 29 years as a civilian logistic management engineer. He served 4 years in the United States Air Force rank of E-3. His last words to his granddaughter was “I’ve drove a million miles, I’ve flown a million and I’ve walked a million miles. I’ve had a good life. That’s more than what most people can say”.

Graduated in 1955 and attended Southern Illinois University for one semester. Withdrew from college and joined the US Air Force in 1956. The 4 years spent in the USAF included 1 year at Keesler AF Base in Mississippi where I trained in electronics followed by 3 years in France and Germany where I worked on remote radio relay sites and mixed socially with people in the local towns and cities of France and Germany. Traveled to the south of France, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, and Great Britain. Returned to the USA in the 1959.

Renewed old acquaintance with Jean Kern of Benton and was married in February 1960. Started working in Aurora IL where he worked for 2 years before he was hired as a DOD civilian with US Army at Ft Riley KS as a master tech for 5 years. In 1967 transferred into a field engineering position working of Lexington KY and covering 12 states.

Had two children, one in 1964 and the second in 1967, a boy and then a girl.

Spent 15 months in Vietnam in 1970-71 followed by a transfer to Germany as a field engineer. He worked and played Germany from 1971-1975. Traveled to all the wonderful places: Austria, France, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, and Belgium.

Returned to the USA in 1975 to Fort Hood TX. Remained in Texas until 1978 then moved to Ft. Monmouth NJ for 2 years. Moved to Ft Gordon GA in 1980 as a senior civilian logistician with Army Materiel Command.

In 1985 moved back to Germany in logistics (supply and maintenance of communications for helicopters, tanks, trucks, etc.). Returned home to Ft Hood TX in 1988 as the senior civilian logistician with the 1st Cavalry Division.

In 1989 went to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm.

Retired in 1992. Total time employed with the US Government, 35 years.

He was dubbed Armadillo early in the above career and known in quite a few places around the world by that handle.

His wife and him lived and played in their home near Lake Belton in Morgan’s Point Resort, Belton TX.