Donald E. Franklin, Sr., 68, of Howell passed away at JFK Medical Center on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Don was born in Fort Madison, IA and raised in Wever, IA. After serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, he settled in New Jersey with his wife, Beverly in 1970 where they raised their family. Don went on to work for Earle Naval Weapons Station as a machinist for 25 years. He was a coach for Howell Central Little League, and played for the Howell Men’s Softball League and for Earle’s softball league. An avid sports fan, especially for the Rams, Cubs and Flyers, he also loved to grill and watch Western films. Don was a handyman who enjoyed social gatherings, but more than anything, he loved spending time with his family.
Don was predeceased by his beloved wife, Beverly F. Franklin in March 2015. He is also predeceased by his parents, Albert and Merle Franklin; an infant sister, Bonnie; and two brothers, Terry Franklin and Dale Franklin. He is survived by his daughter, Christie Dickson and her husband, David, of Harleysville, PA; his son, Donald E. Franklin, Jr. and his wife, Sara, of Howell; and his grandson, Connor Paul Franklin; his brothers, Roger Franklin, Ronald Franklin and Gordon Franklin; two sisters, Becky Lirette and Raejean Bonham; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 12, 2016 for his funeral service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Brigadier General Wm. C. Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to NJ Memorial Veterans Home, 132 Evergreen Road, Attention: Administration, Edison, NJ 08818 or the Howell Central Little League, Post Office Box 137, Howell, NJ 07731. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com