Leslie Gene Drane of Franklin, went to be with the Master Carpenter on Thursday, March 12, 2015. He was born in Pine, Missouri March 23, 1925, the son of Charles and Mima Drane. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Golda (Fowler) Drane and children, Doug (Diana) Walburn of Beebe, Arkansas, Leslie (Deborah) Drane, of Marshfield, Missouri, Gayla (Doug) Bullington, of Franklin, Judy (Lyn) Jerkins, of Highland, Laura (Hershel) Atkinson, Greenwood, Jerry (Susan) Drane, Odessa, Florida, and Lisa (Mark) Rose, of Trafalgar. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. His children and grandchildren were his proudest accomplishments.

Gene served in the Navy, during World War II, and was a lifelong member of the American Legion. He moved from Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Trafalgar in 1962 and joined the Carpenters Union to help build the Greenwood Park Mall and Riley Towers. His success was directly attributed to his work ethics. "A job isn''t worth doing, if you don''t do it right". He was an active member of his church and his faith in God never wavered. He was a leader by example. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and gardener. He enjoyed making wine, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, 3/16/2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Greenwood, with visitation Sunday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to a charity of the donor''s choice.