Phil H. Franklin

He was born to Orville Lyle Franklin and Francis (Phoebe) Shiflett Franklin Aug. 11, 1937. Phil Herbert Franklin died Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, at Clearview Homes in Mount Ayr.

Phil’s family includes his wife Linda of 64 years; two sons, John Phil Franklin of Creston and Christopher Darrin Franklin of Afton; one granddaughter Josie Paige Franklin of Afton; two grandsons, Jacob Roy Franklin (Gracie) and great-grandson Kaladon, Casey John Franklin (Jasmine) and great-grandchildren River James, Emery Claire and Blaire McKenzie; a sister, KaeLeta Davenport (Terry) and sister-in-law Donna Guiher.

Joining in 1954, Phil served the U.S. Navy in active reserves, active duty and inactive reserves being honorably discharged in 1962.

Phil believed and showed by example to his sons that having a job or career was important and the reason for getting up everyday. Phil worked for the county secondary roads for 30 years. He cleared lots of snow off roads to the dismay of school-age kids. Phil retired for 23 days and went to work at Gummi Bear. He left there for Walmart which led to the job made for Phil being a greeter. The customers were his people and he truly enjoyed making their day a better day. Phil, you will always be remembered for your beautiful voice singing wherever we went, your rules for right and wrong and your steadfast love for your family and special love for our dog Rivets, your chairmate.

Preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard and wife Maxine; sister Dee Ann Peroutka; nephews, Terry Davenport, Lyle Scott, Joshua Dean, brothers-in-law, Eugene Guiher, Larry Brown and July 22, 2022, his daughter in love Michelle Dawn Franklin.

Celebration of life and inurnment will be in the spring. Memorials for the family can be made to an animal rescue of your choice.