Robert Wesley Crain, 68, a resident of Franklinton, died Wednesday morning, Dec. 27, 2017.

He was a Franklinton High School graduate of 1967 and later graduated from Louisiana State University in 1975. Robert was a big supporter of FHS athletics, as well as all area schools, civic groups, churches and community projects. He enjoyed tailgating for LSU Tigers football games and watching their sporting events on TV. Robert always loved riding his tractor while working on his farm, spending time on the Bogue Chitto River and relaxing at his camp. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton.

As a young man, Robert decided that caring for the needs of others would be his calling in life, as he began working in funeral service at the age of 16. He graduated from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in 1969 and began a short journey that brought his new family back to the community he cared so much for. Robert has been the owner of Crain Funeral Home since 1979 and felt it was his duty to provide comfort to the thousands of grieving families he encountered through his 52 years of service. He always felt it was a ministry to the great families of Washington Parish to show compassion to those that needed his support.

Robert had a kind heart and received his greatest joy by providing for others. Either through the monetary gifts that allowed young people to play the games they loved, sponsorship of the countless events that lifted our community spirit, assistance to any local church that helped them fulfill the needs of its congregation or simply spending quality time with his beloved family and grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all those that knew him.

He is survived by: his wife of 48 years, Linda Smith Crain of Franklinton; daughter and son-in-law, Susan Crain Bonner and Chris Bonner of Mandeville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert W. Crain Jr. and Kristi Crain of Franklinton, and Matthew Wilson Crain and Heather Crain of Hernando, Miss.; eight grandchildren, Caroline Bonner, Wesley Crain, Hannah Grace Crain, Christopher Bonner, Andrew Crain, Wilson Crain, Jacob Crain and Evelyn Crain; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Pauline and James Bankston of Franklinton, and Paulette and Jack Lantz of Pasadena, Calif.; brother-in-law, Ridge Edwards of Montclair, N.J.; sister-in-law, Alice L. Smith of Alpharetta, Ga.; and also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert William Crain and Willie Knight Crain; sister-in-law, Sylvia Edwards; and brother-in-law, W.F. Smith.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 29, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and after 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Paul Watts and Rev. Leon Hickman officiating. Burial will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the First Baptist Church New Sanctuary Fund (950 Self St., Franklinton, LA 70438), or to any local youth organization.

Pallbearers will include Fred Spears, Ken Allen, Dr. Earle “Rob” Brown, James Magruder, Dr. Jerry Thomas, Wayne Fleming and Bennie Crain.

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