David Michael Franklin, 74, of Heyworth, Illinois, passed away at 5:07 P.M., Friday, December 8, 2017, at his daughter’s home in Normal, Illinois, surrounded by his family.
His visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. - 2:30 P.M., Monday, December 11, 2017, at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth, Illinois. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 P.M. also at the funeral home. Burial will be in Randolph Township Memorial Cemetery, Heyworth, Illinois, with military rites accorded by Carl E. Miller Post 624, Heyworth, Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association or Prairieland Anglers Association, P.O. Box 31, Heyworth, IL 61745.
David was born September 5, 1943, a son of Blanco and Margaret Schooley Franklin. He married Carol Ann Cruise on July 27, 1963, in Heyworth, Illinois. She survives.
David is also survived by his son, Timothy (Darci) Franklin; daughter, Davina Franklin; grandchildren, Brenton, Logan and Lia Franklin; great-grandchildren, Hunter and Jordan Franklin; two brothers, Thomas (Ann) Franklin and Richard (Lillie) Franklin; sister, Parmalee Franklin; several nieces and nephews; two brothers-in-law, Kenny and Kevin Cruise; and sister-in-law, Candice Cruise.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Stephan and James Franklin and his mother-in-law, Bette Cruise.
David was a U.S. Navy veteran serving from October 1961 to February 1966 aboard the USS Chilton (APA-38) during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the USS Mountrail (APA-213) during his final years of service. He was a member of the Carpenters Local 63 Bloomington and Millwright Local Union 1051, Lincoln, Illinois, for over 30 years. He loved to fish and tie flies. He was a member of the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, treasurer of the Prairieland Anglers Association and member of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Heyworth, Illinois.
David was very proud of having a great-grandson, Jordan Michael John Franklin, and
great-nephew, Isaak David Glass named after him.
He was a loving husband; father; grandfather; great-grandfather; a brother; an uncle; and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.
