Don Franklin, 62, business leader and community visionary, passes away
"I'll dream with you," Don Franklin told Columbia's mayor; and he
backed that statement with hard work and dedication to God and family
The loss of Don Franklin will be immeasurable for Adair and surrounding counties. His pragmatism, business acumen, and work ethic made his family a major force in the economic fortunes of South Central Kentucky.
An automobile dealer in Columbia for over 40 years, he owned Don Franklin Ford-Mercury, Franklin Nissan, and Frankliin Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC in Russell Springs, KY.
A driving ambition took him from the little boy who slept on a booth in the G & M Grill while his mother finished work in the kitchen there in the 1950s, to being a top automobile dealer and a dominant player in insurance, finance, and real estate. With his wife Barbara he raised sons Eddie and Dan, who have followed in their father's footsteps. With their wives and five sons between them, Don Franklin's dreams will live on.
His career journey began as a mechanic for Louis Merkley and Morris Epperson when they owned the Adair Motors Ford dealership. He went on to start his own business, Don's Auto Sales, in the mid-1960s, selling used cars. His wife, Barbara, joined him in management as they grew their business and their family.
In 1982, the Franklins purchased the Ford dealership, employing six people, with an average inventory of 35 cars. Today, the family employs 50 people and is managed by Don, Eddie, and Dan along with their wives, Barbara, Lillie, and Melinda Franklin.
He played a major role establishing Holladay Place, UCB
Don Franklin played a major role in two of the biggest recent achievements in business and finance in Adair County. He and partners Richard Walker and Marshall Loy were able to bring about the reality of Holladay Place, the mega-retail center which includes the Super Wal-Mart to be opened in a few months. "Don was very instrumental in Holladay Place," Columbia attorney Marshall Loy said, "and in the success we've had thus far getting the center for the people of Adair County."
Mr. Franklin also played a key role in the establishment of United Citizens Bank of Southern Kentucky, one of the region's fastest growing financial institutions.
Hard work remains the key element of Don Franklin's achievement. "That was the difference," a one-time neighbor noted. "He and his family left the house before dawn every morning. They didn't come back until after dark, and soon after," he said, "the lights were out. They are hard workers."
'I'll dream with you'
Don Franklin will always be remembered as a progressive who looked ahead. He had a quiet, sincere way about him. Mayor Pat Bell remembers when, early in his administration, he told Franklin of some of the dreams he had for Columbia. "'I'll dream with you,'" the Mayor said Franklin told him.
Mayor Bell said he knew that those four words were as valuable a promise for his own hopes for progress as would have been written from any governor or president.
Whatever was needed, a major gift to Lindsey Wilson College, or to his church, or help for school children, Don Franklin was there. Charities knew they could count on him. A Relay for Life Team leader said, "When we needed a $500 check to reach our team's goal, Don Franklin was there. Every year."
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, remember individual kindnesses, and more: A faith Mr. Franklin had in others. He believed in the redemptive nature of humankind, both for those who had had financial struggles as well as for those who needed spiritual salvation.
His devotion to his churches of Christ and his personal evangelism was prodigious. He was a mainstay in the dramatic growth of one church of Christ congregation and was in on the establishment of two others. He always rated his priorities with his concern for the spiritual highest: For him, it was God, then family, then business and civic obligations. At the time of his death he was a member of the Church of Christ of Adair County.
Improving property was a leisure time activity for him. Memories of Don Franklin, alone, or with a grandson, operating a lawnmower or one of the pieces of earthmoving equipment he loved, are enduring. His last work included preparing the hillside where he will rest, overlooking his beloved family, home and business.
Perhaps the best measure of a man can be discovered in the eyes of his grandchildren, innocent observers, recipients of love and devotion, little reflectors. Don Franklin was at his best when he was in the spotlight of those he and Barbara called, "our future", their five grandsons: Don Jr., Eddie Jr, Ben, Daniel and Nathaniel. As they live and grow and speak of their Papa, it will be clear what kind of man Don Franklin was.
Written by Linda Marcum Waggener [email protected]
Obituary
Don Franklin, age 62 years, of 576 Hudson Street, Columbia, KY, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 3:00pmCT, at his home, after several months illness.
He was born February 16, 1946, the son of the late Dempsey and Lula Neat Franklin of Adair County, KY.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Sneed Franklin of Columbia, and the following:
Two sons: Eddie D. Franklin and wife Lillie, and Dan Franklin and wife Melinda, Columbia, KY
Four brothers: Herbert Franklin, Edmonton, KY; Harlon Franklin, Columbia, KY; Howard Franklin, Arlington, VA; and Chester Franklin, Columbia, KY
One sister: Rosie Bearden, Columbia, KY
Five grandsons: Don Franklin, Jr.; Eddie Franklin, Jr.; Ben D. Franklin, Daniel Franklin, and Nathaniel Franklin, all of Columbia, KY.
And a host of other family and friends
He was preceded in death by one brother, Wallace Franklin.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 10:00amCT, at Don Franklin Ford on Greensburg Road in Columbia, KY with Minister Jay Street and Minister Kenneth Wilson the officiating clergy.Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery on Greensburg Road, Columbia, KY. All visiting will be at the Don Franklin Ford dealershp on Greensburg Road (Hudson Street) in Columbia. Times of visitation will be:
Monday evening, June 9, 2008, after 6:00pmCT
All day Tuesday, June 10, 2008, starting in the morning at 6:00amCT.
And Wednesday morning, June 11, 2008, from 6:00amCT until the time of the funeral.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg ST, Columbia, KY, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Don Franklin's funeral -- a reflection of his life
Don Franklin's funeral was a reflection of all he had been to his family, friends and customers over the years of his life. Several hundred people filled every corner of the dealership building to pay their final respects.
Harmonies filled the air with his favorite songs, sung without musical insruments, holding with the tradition of his Church of Christ.
The first to speak was his long-time friend and business associate Richard Lee Walker.
Walker said, "Don Franklin came to see me after he was diagnosed. I asked how he was and he said, 'Well, I want to whip this thing, but if I can't it will be alright. Either way it will be alright.' Don was a devoted father and husband who lived his faith and he always worked to make Columbia and Adair County a better place."
Bro. Jay Street said, "I've known Don Franklin for 12 years and my life has never been the same since I met him -- he is a hero to me. He was a quiet and true gentle man. He told his sons and grandsons to be gentle and kind. Don walked his talk -- his motto was 'God's will be done in all things.' We are thankful for the life he lived showing family and friends a reflection of Jesus Christ. Don's trademark was to put the letter F everywhere. He would laugh with us when we talked about all the good things the letter stood for: father, family, first, future, and food which he loved. Don was a generous man who called himself "just a steward".
Minister Kenneth Wilson said, "If Don were here right now, he'd tell each of us to prepare for this day -- the way you live, what you do and your relationship with God -- for each and every one of us has to face this same day. He would say, just prepare."
When the speakers had finished and the last song was over, the long, long line of friends and family began to file past the casket to shake hands with family members who sat across from it, and then one by one to gather in front of the dealership to wait for Don's body to be brought out for the trip across the road.
His casket was loaded onto a new black Ford truck, one of his favorite rides, which led the procession of mourners slowly up the hill to Don's final resting place. His family walked behind him, hand in hand, supporting each other.
His grandsons spoke eloquently through their tears, describing the hero their grandfather was to them in life, and would always be in their hearts.
"I'll dream with you," Don Franklin told Columbia's mayor; and he
backed that statement with hard work and dedication to God and family
The loss of Don Franklin will be immeasurable for Adair and surrounding counties. His pragmatism, business acumen, and work ethic made his family a major force in the economic fortunes of South Central Kentucky.
An automobile dealer in Columbia for over 40 years, he owned Don Franklin Ford-Mercury, Franklin Nissan, and Frankliin Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC in Russell Springs, KY.
A driving ambition took him from the little boy who slept on a booth in the G & M Grill while his mother finished work in the kitchen there in the 1950s, to being a top automobile dealer and a dominant player in insurance, finance, and real estate. With his wife Barbara he raised sons Eddie and Dan, who have followed in their father's footsteps. With their wives and five sons between them, Don Franklin's dreams will live on.
His career journey began as a mechanic for Louis Merkley and Morris Epperson when they owned the Adair Motors Ford dealership. He went on to start his own business, Don's Auto Sales, in the mid-1960s, selling used cars. His wife, Barbara, joined him in management as they grew their business and their family.
In 1982, the Franklins purchased the Ford dealership, employing six people, with an average inventory of 35 cars. Today, the family employs 50 people and is managed by Don, Eddie, and Dan along with their wives, Barbara, Lillie, and Melinda Franklin.
He played a major role establishing Holladay Place, UCB
Don Franklin played a major role in two of the biggest recent achievements in business and finance in Adair County. He and partners Richard Walker and Marshall Loy were able to bring about the reality of Holladay Place, the mega-retail center which includes the Super Wal-Mart to be opened in a few months. "Don was very instrumental in Holladay Place," Columbia attorney Marshall Loy said, "and in the success we've had thus far getting the center for the people of Adair County."
Mr. Franklin also played a key role in the establishment of United Citizens Bank of Southern Kentucky, one of the region's fastest growing financial institutions.
Hard work remains the key element of Don Franklin's achievement. "That was the difference," a one-time neighbor noted. "He and his family left the house before dawn every morning. They didn't come back until after dark, and soon after," he said, "the lights were out. They are hard workers."
'I'll dream with you'
Don Franklin will always be remembered as a progressive who looked ahead. He had a quiet, sincere way about him. Mayor Pat Bell remembers when, early in his administration, he told Franklin of some of the dreams he had for Columbia. "'I'll dream with you,'" the Mayor said Franklin told him.
Mayor Bell said he knew that those four words were as valuable a promise for his own hopes for progress as would have been written from any governor or president.
Whatever was needed, a major gift to Lindsey Wilson College, or to his church, or help for school children, Don Franklin was there. Charities knew they could count on him. A Relay for Life Team leader said, "When we needed a $500 check to reach our team's goal, Don Franklin was there. Every year."
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, remember individual kindnesses, and more: A faith Mr. Franklin had in others. He believed in the redemptive nature of humankind, both for those who had had financial struggles as well as for those who needed spiritual salvation.
His devotion to his churches of Christ and his personal evangelism was prodigious. He was a mainstay in the dramatic growth of one church of Christ congregation and was in on the establishment of two others. He always rated his priorities with his concern for the spiritual highest: For him, it was God, then family, then business and civic obligations. At the time of his death he was a member of the Church of Christ of Adair County.
Improving property was a leisure time activity for him. Memories of Don Franklin, alone, or with a grandson, operating a lawnmower or one of the pieces of earthmoving equipment he loved, are enduring. His last work included preparing the hillside where he will rest, overlooking his beloved family, home and business.
Perhaps the best measure of a man can be discovered in the eyes of his grandchildren, innocent observers, recipients of love and devotion, little reflectors. Don Franklin was at his best when he was in the spotlight of those he and Barbara called, "our future", their five grandsons: Don Jr., Eddie Jr, Ben, Daniel and Nathaniel. As they live and grow and speak of their Papa, it will be clear what kind of man Don Franklin was.
Written by Linda Marcum Waggener [email protected]
Obituary
Don Franklin, age 62 years, of 576 Hudson Street, Columbia, KY, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 3:00pmCT, at his home, after several months illness.
He was born February 16, 1946, the son of the late Dempsey and Lula Neat Franklin of Adair County, KY.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Sneed Franklin of Columbia, and the following:
Two sons: Eddie D. Franklin and wife Lillie, and Dan Franklin and wife Melinda, Columbia, KY
Four brothers: Herbert Franklin, Edmonton, KY; Harlon Franklin, Columbia, KY; Howard Franklin, Arlington, VA; and Chester Franklin, Columbia, KY
One sister: Rosie Bearden, Columbia, KY
Five grandsons: Don Franklin, Jr.; Eddie Franklin, Jr.; Ben D. Franklin, Daniel Franklin, and Nathaniel Franklin, all of Columbia, KY.
And a host of other family and friends
He was preceded in death by one brother, Wallace Franklin.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 10:00amCT, at Don Franklin Ford on Greensburg Road in Columbia, KY with Minister Jay Street and Minister Kenneth Wilson the officiating clergy.Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery on Greensburg Road, Columbia, KY. All visiting will be at the Don Franklin Ford dealershp on Greensburg Road (Hudson Street) in Columbia. Times of visitation will be:
Monday evening, June 9, 2008, after 6:00pmCT
All day Tuesday, June 10, 2008, starting in the morning at 6:00amCT.
And Wednesday morning, June 11, 2008, from 6:00amCT until the time of the funeral.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg ST, Columbia, KY, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Don Franklin's funeral -- a reflection of his life
Don Franklin's funeral was a reflection of all he had been to his family, friends and customers over the years of his life. Several hundred people filled every corner of the dealership building to pay their final respects.
Harmonies filled the air with his favorite songs, sung without musical insruments, holding with the tradition of his Church of Christ.
The first to speak was his long-time friend and business associate Richard Lee Walker.
Walker said, "Don Franklin came to see me after he was diagnosed. I asked how he was and he said, 'Well, I want to whip this thing, but if I can't it will be alright. Either way it will be alright.' Don was a devoted father and husband who lived his faith and he always worked to make Columbia and Adair County a better place."
Bro. Jay Street said, "I've known Don Franklin for 12 years and my life has never been the same since I met him -- he is a hero to me. He was a quiet and true gentle man. He told his sons and grandsons to be gentle and kind. Don walked his talk -- his motto was 'God's will be done in all things.' We are thankful for the life he lived showing family and friends a reflection of Jesus Christ. Don's trademark was to put the letter F everywhere. He would laugh with us when we talked about all the good things the letter stood for: father, family, first, future, and food which he loved. Don was a generous man who called himself "just a steward".
Minister Kenneth Wilson said, "If Don were here right now, he'd tell each of us to prepare for this day -- the way you live, what you do and your relationship with God -- for each and every one of us has to face this same day. He would say, just prepare."
When the speakers had finished and the last song was over, the long, long line of friends and family began to file past the casket to shake hands with family members who sat across from it, and then one by one to gather in front of the dealership to wait for Don's body to be brought out for the trip across the road.
His casket was loaded onto a new black Ford truck, one of his favorite rides, which led the procession of mourners slowly up the hill to Don's final resting place. His family walked behind him, hand in hand, supporting each other.
His grandsons spoke eloquently through their tears, describing the hero their grandfather was to them in life, and would always be in their hearts.
Don Franklin, 62, business leader and community visionary, passes away
"I'll dream with you," Don Franklin told Columbia's mayor; and he
backed that statement with hard work and dedication to God and family
The loss of Don Franklin will be immeasurable for Adair and surrounding counties. His pragmatism, business acumen, and work ethic made his family a major force in the economic fortunes of South Central Kentucky.
An automobile dealer in Columbia for over 40 years, he owned Don Franklin Ford-Mercury, Franklin Nissan, and Frankliin Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC in Russell Springs, KY.
A driving ambition took him from the little boy who slept on a booth in the G & M Grill while his mother finished work in the kitchen there in the 1950s, to being a top automobile dealer and a dominant player in insurance, finance, and real estate. With his wife Barbara he raised sons Eddie and Dan, who have followed in their father's footsteps. With their wives and five sons between them, Don Franklin's dreams will live on.
His career journey began as a mechanic for Louis Merkley and Morris Epperson when they owned the Adair Motors Ford dealership. He went on to start his own business, Don's Auto Sales, in the mid-1960s, selling used cars. His wife, Barbara, joined him in management as they grew their business and their family.
In 1982, the Franklins purchased the Ford dealership, employing six people, with an average inventory of 35 cars. Today, the family employs 50 people and is managed by Don, Eddie, and Dan along with their wives, Barbara, Lillie, and Melinda Franklin.
He played a major role establishing Holladay Place, UCB
Don Franklin played a major role in two of the biggest recent achievements in business and finance in Adair County. He and partners Richard Walker and Marshall Loy were able to bring about the reality of Holladay Place, the mega-retail center which includes the Super Wal-Mart to be opened in a few months. "Don was very instrumental in Holladay Place," Columbia attorney Marshall Loy said, "and in the success we've had thus far getting the center for the people of Adair County."
Mr. Franklin also played a key role in the establishment of United Citizens Bank of Southern Kentucky, one of the region's fastest growing financial institutions.
Hard work remains the key element of Don Franklin's achievement. "That was the difference," a one-time neighbor noted. "He and his family left the house before dawn every morning. They didn't come back until after dark, and soon after," he said, "the lights were out. They are hard workers."
'I'll dream with you'
Don Franklin will always be remembered as a progressive who looked ahead. He had a quiet, sincere way about him. Mayor Pat Bell remembers when, early in his administration, he told Franklin of some of the dreams he had for Columbia. "'I'll dream with you,'" the Mayor said Franklin told him.
Mayor Bell said he knew that those four words were as valuable a promise for his own hopes for progress as would have been written from any governor or president.
Whatever was needed, a major gift to Lindsey Wilson College, or to his church, or help for school children, Don Franklin was there. Charities knew they could count on him. A Relay for Life Team leader said, "When we needed a $500 check to reach our team's goal, Don Franklin was there. Every year."
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, remember individual kindnesses, and more: A faith Mr. Franklin had in others. He believed in the redemptive nature of humankind, both for those who had had financial struggles as well as for those who needed spiritual salvation.
His devotion to his churches of Christ and his personal evangelism was prodigious. He was a mainstay in the dramatic growth of one church of Christ congregation and was in on the establishment of two others. He always rated his priorities with his concern for the spiritual highest: For him, it was God, then family, then business and civic obligations. At the time of his death he was a member of the Church of Christ of Adair County.
Improving property was a leisure time activity for him. Memories of Don Franklin, alone, or with a grandson, operating a lawnmower or one of the pieces of earthmoving equipment he loved, are enduring. His last work included preparing the hillside where he will rest, overlooking his beloved family, home and business.
Perhaps the best measure of a man can be discovered in the eyes of his grandchildren, innocent observers, recipients of love and devotion, little reflectors. Don Franklin was at his best when he was in the spotlight of those he and Barbara called, "our future", their five grandsons: Don Jr., Eddie Jr, Ben, Daniel and Nathaniel. As they live and grow and speak of their Papa, it will be clear what kind of man Don Franklin was.
Written by Linda Marcum Waggener [email protected]
Obituary
Don Franklin, age 62 years, of 576 Hudson Street, Columbia, KY, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 3:00pmCT, at his home, after several months illness.
He was born February 16, 1946, the son of the late Dempsey and Lula Neat Franklin of Adair County, KY.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Sneed Franklin of Columbia, and the following:
Two sons: Eddie D. Franklin and wife Lillie, and Dan Franklin and wife Melinda, Columbia, KY
Four brothers: Herbert Franklin, Edmonton, KY; Harlon Franklin, Columbia, KY; Howard Franklin, Arlington, VA; and Chester Franklin, Columbia, KY
One sister: Rosie Bearden, Columbia, KY
Five grandsons: Don Franklin, Jr.; Eddie Franklin, Jr.; Ben D. Franklin, Daniel Franklin, and Nathaniel Franklin, all of Columbia, KY.
And a host of other family and friends
He was preceded in death by one brother, Wallace Franklin.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 10:00amCT, at Don Franklin Ford on Greensburg Road in Columbia, KY with Minister Jay Street and Minister Kenneth Wilson the officiating clergy.Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery on Greensburg Road, Columbia, KY. All visiting will be at the Don Franklin Ford dealershp on Greensburg Road (Hudson Street) in Columbia. Times of visitation will be:
Monday evening, June 9, 2008, after 6:00pmCT
All day Tuesday, June 10, 2008, starting in the morning at 6:00amCT.
And Wednesday morning, June 11, 2008, from 6:00amCT until the time of the funeral.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg ST, Columbia, KY, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Don Franklin's funeral -- a reflection of his life
Don Franklin's funeral was a reflection of all he had been to his family, friends and customers over the years of his life. Several hundred people filled every corner of the dealership building to pay their final respects.
Harmonies filled the air with his favorite songs, sung without musical insruments, holding with the tradition of his Church of Christ.
The first to speak was his long-time friend and business associate Richard Lee Walker.
Walker said, "Don Franklin came to see me after he was diagnosed. I asked how he was and he said, 'Well, I want to whip this thing, but if I can't it will be alright. Either way it will be alright.' Don was a devoted father and husband who lived his faith and he always worked to make Columbia and Adair County a better place."
Bro. Jay Street said, "I've known Don Franklin for 12 years and my life has never been the same since I met him -- he is a hero to me. He was a quiet and true gentle man. He told his sons and grandsons to be gentle and kind. Don walked his talk -- his motto was 'God's will be done in all things.' We are thankful for the life he lived showing family and friends a reflection of Jesus Christ. Don's trademark was to put the letter F everywhere. He would laugh with us when we talked about all the good things the letter stood for: father, family, first, future, and food which he loved. Don was a generous man who called himself "just a steward".
Minister Kenneth Wilson said, "If Don were here right now, he'd tell each of us to prepare for this day -- the way you live, what you do and your relationship with God -- for each and every one of us has to face this same day. He would say, just prepare."
When the speakers had finished and the last song was over, the long, long line of friends and family began to file past the casket to shake hands with family members who sat across from it, and then one by one to gather in front of the dealership to wait for Don's body to be brought out for the trip across the road.
His casket was loaded onto a new black Ford truck, one of his favorite rides, which led the procession of mourners slowly up the hill to Don's final resting place. His family walked behind him, hand in hand, supporting each other.
His grandsons spoke eloquently through their tears, describing the hero their grandfather was to them in life, and would always be in their hearts.
"I'll dream with you," Don Franklin told Columbia's mayor; and he
backed that statement with hard work and dedication to God and family
The loss of Don Franklin will be immeasurable for Adair and surrounding counties. His pragmatism, business acumen, and work ethic made his family a major force in the economic fortunes of South Central Kentucky.
An automobile dealer in Columbia for over 40 years, he owned Don Franklin Ford-Mercury, Franklin Nissan, and Frankliin Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC in Russell Springs, KY.
A driving ambition took him from the little boy who slept on a booth in the G & M Grill while his mother finished work in the kitchen there in the 1950s, to being a top automobile dealer and a dominant player in insurance, finance, and real estate. With his wife Barbara he raised sons Eddie and Dan, who have followed in their father's footsteps. With their wives and five sons between them, Don Franklin's dreams will live on.
His career journey began as a mechanic for Louis Merkley and Morris Epperson when they owned the Adair Motors Ford dealership. He went on to start his own business, Don's Auto Sales, in the mid-1960s, selling used cars. His wife, Barbara, joined him in management as they grew their business and their family.
In 1982, the Franklins purchased the Ford dealership, employing six people, with an average inventory of 35 cars. Today, the family employs 50 people and is managed by Don, Eddie, and Dan along with their wives, Barbara, Lillie, and Melinda Franklin.
He played a major role establishing Holladay Place, UCB
Don Franklin played a major role in two of the biggest recent achievements in business and finance in Adair County. He and partners Richard Walker and Marshall Loy were able to bring about the reality of Holladay Place, the mega-retail center which includes the Super Wal-Mart to be opened in a few months. "Don was very instrumental in Holladay Place," Columbia attorney Marshall Loy said, "and in the success we've had thus far getting the center for the people of Adair County."
Mr. Franklin also played a key role in the establishment of United Citizens Bank of Southern Kentucky, one of the region's fastest growing financial institutions.
Hard work remains the key element of Don Franklin's achievement. "That was the difference," a one-time neighbor noted. "He and his family left the house before dawn every morning. They didn't come back until after dark, and soon after," he said, "the lights were out. They are hard workers."
'I'll dream with you'
Don Franklin will always be remembered as a progressive who looked ahead. He had a quiet, sincere way about him. Mayor Pat Bell remembers when, early in his administration, he told Franklin of some of the dreams he had for Columbia. "'I'll dream with you,'" the Mayor said Franklin told him.
Mayor Bell said he knew that those four words were as valuable a promise for his own hopes for progress as would have been written from any governor or president.
Whatever was needed, a major gift to Lindsey Wilson College, or to his church, or help for school children, Don Franklin was there. Charities knew they could count on him. A Relay for Life Team leader said, "When we needed a $500 check to reach our team's goal, Don Franklin was there. Every year."
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, remember individual kindnesses, and more: A faith Mr. Franklin had in others. He believed in the redemptive nature of humankind, both for those who had had financial struggles as well as for those who needed spiritual salvation.
His devotion to his churches of Christ and his personal evangelism was prodigious. He was a mainstay in the dramatic growth of one church of Christ congregation and was in on the establishment of two others. He always rated his priorities with his concern for the spiritual highest: For him, it was God, then family, then business and civic obligations. At the time of his death he was a member of the Church of Christ of Adair County.
Improving property was a leisure time activity for him. Memories of Don Franklin, alone, or with a grandson, operating a lawnmower or one of the pieces of earthmoving equipment he loved, are enduring. His last work included preparing the hillside where he will rest, overlooking his beloved family, home and business.
Perhaps the best measure of a man can be discovered in the eyes of his grandchildren, innocent observers, recipients of love and devotion, little reflectors. Don Franklin was at his best when he was in the spotlight of those he and Barbara called, "our future", their five grandsons: Don Jr., Eddie Jr, Ben, Daniel and Nathaniel. As they live and grow and speak of their Papa, it will be clear what kind of man Don Franklin was.
Written by Linda Marcum Waggener [email protected]
Obituary
Don Franklin, age 62 years, of 576 Hudson Street, Columbia, KY, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 3:00pmCT, at his home, after several months illness.
He was born February 16, 1946, the son of the late Dempsey and Lula Neat Franklin of Adair County, KY.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Sneed Franklin of Columbia, and the following:
Two sons: Eddie D. Franklin and wife Lillie, and Dan Franklin and wife Melinda, Columbia, KY
Four brothers: Herbert Franklin, Edmonton, KY; Harlon Franklin, Columbia, KY; Howard Franklin, Arlington, VA; and Chester Franklin, Columbia, KY
One sister: Rosie Bearden, Columbia, KY
Five grandsons: Don Franklin, Jr.; Eddie Franklin, Jr.; Ben D. Franklin, Daniel Franklin, and Nathaniel Franklin, all of Columbia, KY.
And a host of other family and friends
He was preceded in death by one brother, Wallace Franklin.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 10:00amCT, at Don Franklin Ford on Greensburg Road in Columbia, KY with Minister Jay Street and Minister Kenneth Wilson the officiating clergy.Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery on Greensburg Road, Columbia, KY. All visiting will be at the Don Franklin Ford dealershp on Greensburg Road (Hudson Street) in Columbia. Times of visitation will be:
Monday evening, June 9, 2008, after 6:00pmCT
All day Tuesday, June 10, 2008, starting in the morning at 6:00amCT.
And Wednesday morning, June 11, 2008, from 6:00amCT until the time of the funeral.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg ST, Columbia, KY, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Don Franklin's funeral -- a reflection of his life
Don Franklin's funeral was a reflection of all he had been to his family, friends and customers over the years of his life. Several hundred people filled every corner of the dealership building to pay their final respects.
Harmonies filled the air with his favorite songs, sung without musical insruments, holding with the tradition of his Church of Christ.
The first to speak was his long-time friend and business associate Richard Lee Walker.
Walker said, "Don Franklin came to see me after he was diagnosed. I asked how he was and he said, 'Well, I want to whip this thing, but if I can't it will be alright. Either way it will be alright.' Don was a devoted father and husband who lived his faith and he always worked to make Columbia and Adair County a better place."
Bro. Jay Street said, "I've known Don Franklin for 12 years and my life has never been the same since I met him -- he is a hero to me. He was a quiet and true gentle man. He told his sons and grandsons to be gentle and kind. Don walked his talk -- his motto was 'God's will be done in all things.' We are thankful for the life he lived showing family and friends a reflection of Jesus Christ. Don's trademark was to put the letter F everywhere. He would laugh with us when we talked about all the good things the letter stood for: father, family, first, future, and food which he loved. Don was a generous man who called himself "just a steward".
Minister Kenneth Wilson said, "If Don were here right now, he'd tell each of us to prepare for this day -- the way you live, what you do and your relationship with God -- for each and every one of us has to face this same day. He would say, just prepare."
When the speakers had finished and the last song was over, the long, long line of friends and family began to file past the casket to shake hands with family members who sat across from it, and then one by one to gather in front of the dealership to wait for Don's body to be brought out for the trip across the road.
His casket was loaded onto a new black Ford truck, one of his favorite rides, which led the procession of mourners slowly up the hill to Don's final resting place. His family walked behind him, hand in hand, supporting each other.
His grandsons spoke eloquently through their tears, describing the hero their grandfather was to them in life, and would always be in their hearts.
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