MULINA

James Wesley “J.W.” Mulina Sr., 78, passed into eternity Sunday, March 2, 2014, at his home in Franklinton after an extended illness.

He was born on June 20, 1935, and was a loving husband who loved being with his family and always looked forward to their visits. J.W. was a member of New Hope Baptist Church near Folsom and a former dragline operator with the Louisiana Highway Department. He then went on to work for Dairymen, Inc., where he retired after many years of service. When his health permitted, he loved camping, fishing and traveling around the United States. J.W. enjoyed drinking coffee at Boyd’s Auto Parts while swapping stories and reliving old-times. He was a horse and dog enthusiast and enjoyed the company of his animals. Years ago, J.W. often hunted fox and loved working and listening to his dogs.

He is survived by his caregiver and devoted wife of 36 years, Lynn Ball Mulina of Franklinton; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Wesley and Rita Mulina of Franklinton and Brandon Mulina of Hammond; a daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Charles Kennedy of the Stateline Community; three grandsons, Chad Kennedy and Jared Kennedy, both of Stateline, and Caleb Mulina of Franklinton; four granddaughters, Callie Mulina, Teresa Rosenthall and Tammy Magee, all of Franklinton, and Christy Galloway of Covington; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Travis and Jessie Mulina and Kendall and Judy Mulina, all of Franklinton; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Edith and Pete Busby of Franklinton and Maida and Mack Thomas of Pine; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Blanche; a daughter, Teenie Schillings; a grandson, B.J. Schillings; his parents, Jewel Mulina and Athalee Seal Mulina; and a brother and sister-in-law, Billie and Sue Mulina.

Visitation was held Tuesday, March 4 at Crain Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Paul Watts and Dr. Joe Baugh officiating. Burial will follow in the Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers are his nephews Wayne Mulina, Michael Mulina, Bruce Busby, Butch Busby, James Gibson and Howard Gibson. Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons Chad Kennedy, Jared Kennedy, Caleb Mulina, and his nephew, Eric Mulina.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.