David Eugene Franklin, Sr., of Shoals, died Saturday, April 3, at his home. He was born May 19,1947, in Canton, Illinois, to Donald Eugene and Dorothy Frances (Hoots) Franklin.
David attended school in Fulton County, Illinois, through tenth grade and received his GED in March, 1977, in Benton County, Arkansas. He was a faithful attendee and supporter of Weisbach Community Church.
He had a strong interest in missions wanting all people to know forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. His priorities were God, family, and country. He had a mechanical aptitude; enjoyed gardening and lawn work, all things related to tractors and farming, amateur (ham) radio and its phonetic alphabet, reading, poetry-often writing poems to be included in Christmas cards. He had an excellent memory with many Scripture passages, poetic paraphrases and hymns committed to memory. He will be remembered for his hearty laugh, his mischievous sense of humor, his systematic preparation, his integrity, his careful life before God and his quiet enjoyment of get-togethers with family & friends.
Survivors include his wife, Etta (Riddle) Franklin of Shoals. Sons David Eugene Franklin, Jr. (Tina) of Spokane Valley, Washington, Daniel Keith Franklin (Michelle) of Washington, IN., Dale Edward (Lisa) of Salem, Ohio.
Also surviving are Melody Franklin, Marengo, Ohio, the mother of his grandsons, Joshua David Franklin (Lisa) of Caledonia, Ohio, & Jonathan Mark Franklin of Marengo, Ohio. Grandchildren DeeLynn, Aundrea, Katie, Christian and Ryan Franklin of Washington, IN., Matthew, Derek, and Kayla Franklin of Salem, Ohio. Great- grandchildren Maleah and Mason Franlclin of Caledonia, Ohio. Siblings Carol Franklin of Canton, Illinois, Ruth (Lloyd) Gordon of Shoals, Janice (Joe) Canaday of Aledo, Illinois, and John Franklin of Bryant, Illinois, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Dorothy Franklin, his first wife Carol Jean (Headley) Franklin, sister Phyllis Franklin and infant granddaughter Anna Jean Franklin, and three young nephews.
Funeral services are 10:00 AM Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Weisbach Community Church with Pastor John Zeigler officiating. Visitation will be 4 – 8 PM Friday at the Queen-Lee Chapel in Shoals.
Pall bearers are Terry Tichenor, Adam Sickler, Adam Crouse, Joel Gibson, Collin
Hampton, and Byron Albright. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery.
Queen-Lee Funeral Home, Shoals, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evangelical Faith Missions, PO Box 609, Bedford, IN. 47421-0609
