Franklin Carroll Bollinger, 92 years old, passed away on December 28, 2020 at North Kansas City Hospital due to pneumonia complications. 

Franklin was born April 1, 1928 to Clarence F. and Bertha M. (Carroll) Bollinger in Mosby, Missouri.  The family moved to Excelsior Springs, Missouri where Franklin was raised and graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1946. He attended and graduated from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri in 1951. Franklin served his country as a Counterintelligence agent, US Army, during the Korean Conflict, 1951-53.  While in the military, Franklin married Jaqueline F. Holub, August 10, 1952 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. From this blessed union, they created a loving family of five children.

Franklin was best known by the community of Excelsior Springs for owning and operating the Dari-B (1954) Ice Cream Store and Dari-B Car Wash (1977).  

Franklin, as sort of a daredevil, very competitive and always up for new challenges; led an exciting life. He was known for hunting Native American artifacts in local fields, competing in downhill NASTAR skiing, hang gliding off Kansas and Missouri hills, and scuba diving in the Grand Cayman Islands.  Most would say his favorite was competing in Senior Olympics (1995-2017) where he consistently qualified for National Senior Games. Franklin was blessed with many opportunities and never gave up competing until his last Missouri Show Me Games at the age of 89.  Not only did he love competing but he also enjoyed being an avid sports fan for ESHS athletics. 

Franklin was an active and faithful member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, served as a Trustee for the Missouri Archaeological Society, member of the American Legion, member of the Excelsior Springs Athletic Hall of Fame, and member of the NWMSU ‘49 & ‘50 Indoor & Outdoor Track Championship Teams Hall of Fame.

Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Daniel Gryder, and sister, Phyllis Parle.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline of the home; daughters, Susan McAuliffe, Karen (Jeff) Southwick, Mary (Doug) Parker; sons, Mark (Karen) Bollinger, Michael (Jane) Bollinger; grandchildren, Lindsey (Kris) Zeid, Kane Southwick, Emily (Brett) Baldwin, Bailey (Alatini) Finau, Drew Parker, Ryan Parker; great-grandchildren, Brenna and Faye Baldwin, Isi Finau and one blessing to come.

Franklin would say that his greatest accomplishments were his 68 years of marriage to his beautiful bride, Jacqueline and fathering his five children, Susan, Mark, Karen, Michael and Mary.  

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Missouri.