Paul Dean Franklin Sr.

Paul Dean Franklin, Sr., 68, of Nashville, MI went to be with his Lord January 20, 2011 with his family by his side. He was born July 17, 1942 in Sondheimer, LA the son of the late Gaston E and Ollie (Richey) Franklin. Mr. Franklin was an electrician for the railroad, worked in construction, business owner and farmer. He served his country in the United States Air Force and was veteran of the Vietnam War. He enjoyed listening to gospel and country music. Some of his favorite things were hunting, fishing and trapping. He was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3552 and American Legion Post #42. Mr. Franklin had his private pilots license, was very proud of his family and loved visiting his family in Louisiana and California. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sharon (Pease) Franklin; children, Dean Allen (Kim) Sweeney of Grass Valley, CA, Sharon Denise (Richard) Angus of Bellevue, Paul (Mandy) Franklin, Jr. of Bellevue and Paula (Willard) Pierce of Hastings; grandchildren, Dillon Sweeny, Lyndon Angus, Ethan Angus, Amelia Angus, Brooklyn Pierce, Lexi Pierce, Morgan Pierce, Connor Pierce, Madison Franklin and Weston Franklin. He was especially close to his siblings; sister, Alice Jean (Bob) Montfort of LA; brothers, Daryl (Nita) Richey of LA, Carl (Gloria) Franklin of TN, Russell (Clara) Franklin of MS and Mack (Ruby) Franklin of LA; brothers-n-law and sisters-in-law, Helen (Joe) White and Barb (Chuck) Schutt; many many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and too many close, special people in his life that were like family to name here. You all blessed him with your friendship. Those who knew him know he rarely met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Shera Lynn and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Clifford and Gertrude Pease, brother Doug (Grace) Richey; nephews Bobby Montfort and Stevie Furr. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2011 with Pastor Glenn Branham officiating at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Kalamo Township, MI. Visitation will be Sunday, January 23, 2011 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family.