Pastor Leo Franklin III
Retired Army staff sergeant, pastor, advocate, and student, serving Opelousas and St. Landry Parish.
A native of Opelousas
Leo Franklin III was born in Opelousas, Louisiana, in 1969. He is the son of Cleopatra Vallian and Leo Franklin Jr., and Samuel Vallian is his stepfather.
Military service
Leo served in the U.S. Army and completed a one-year tour in Iraq. After returning home, he retired from the Army in 2009 as a staff sergeant.
Ministry
Pastor Leo is the founder and overseer of Father’s Embrace Worship Center, Franklin Bible Institute, and Reconnaissance Spiritual and Mental Health Resources. He also ministers at a nursing home and in prisons.
Serving beyond the pulpit
Pastor Leo serves as post commander of American Legion Post 45 and as chaplain of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2483. He is also a Court-Appointed Special Advocate with CASA of St. Landry, where he advocates for children.
Education and family
Pastor Leo is a student at Liberty University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Life Coaching. He is married to Lady Shannon Franklin.
Join us for worship
Pastor Leo and Lady Shannon welcome you to Father’s Embrace Worship Center.