Gene Alvin Franklin, 83, of Holton, passed away peacefully at Community South Hospital in Indianapolis on Thursday, September 3, surrounded by his loving family.
Gene was born on October 1, 1942, in Holton, the son of the late Floyd and Ida Marie (Bearclaw) Franklin. He was a true Holton citizen in every sense of the word, spending his entire life in the community he loved. Gene graduated from Holton High School in 1960 as a proud Warhorse, where he played basketball. Little did he know at the time that the lessons learned during those practices would help shape the rest of his life.
It was after one of those basketball practices that Gene caught the eye of a young lady from New Marion, Shirley Estell. That first glance would become a lifetime of love. Gene and Shirley were married on August 6, 1961, in New Marion and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. Their marriage was built on love, friendship, hard work, and an unwavering dedication to one another.
In 1963, Gene and Shirley began construction on what would become their forever home in the Hopewell area. That same year, Gene began his career at Cummins, and they welcomed their first child, Lisa. They were later blessed with a son, Darrell. Gene worked for Cummins for 30 years before retiring in 1993.
Gene and Shirley farmed and raised livestock throughout their entire marriage. They were a true team, working side by side through all the years. After retirement, Gene continued his love of the livestock business by attending numerous livestock auctions and working at the local sale barn. He could be found there most Saturday mornings, always with a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and a story to share. Gene also proudly served on the Ripley County Fair Board.
Gene had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed nothing more than a good conversation and trading stories with friends and neighbors. He was a true people person who would do anything for someone in need. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.
He spent countless nights chasing his favorite Walker hound after the next coon, accompanied by his good buddies Danny Beach, Glenn Cutter, and Dick Peters. Those nights, like so many other memories, were filled with friendship, laughter, and stories that will be remembered for years to come.
Gene and Shirley also enjoyed traveling out West, where they admired the land, the cattle, and the simplicity of life. Gene often said that if he ever lived anywhere besides Holton, where he had spent his entire life, it would be in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
But above all else, Gene cherished his family. As grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, they truly became his world—his greatest loves, his pride, and his joy. His family was the center of his life, and the memories and lessons he gave them will live on for generations.
Gene and Shirley endured the heartbreaking loss of their beloved daughter, Lisa, in 2004. Though that loss never left their hearts, Gene continued to love and care deeply for his family and those around him.
Gene will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley; his son, Darrell, and wife, Lisa; grandchildren Adam and wife Amanda, Andrew and wife Heather, Erica Stephen, Chad Anderson and wife Chrissy, and Sammy Prather; step-grandson Nicholas and wife Kelsey; great-grandchildren Cheyanne, Gabe, Max, Norah, Eli, Elise, Daxton, and Kashton; and step-great-grandchildren Colter, Finn, and Thea.
He leaves behind countless friends, neighbors, and members of the community who were blessed to know him. His stories, laughter, generosity, and unmistakable smile will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held at Hopewell Community Church on Tuesday, September 8, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the church on Wednesday, September 9, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastors David Schiver and Luke Coors officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Holton Community Fire Department or Hopewell Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be placed at nealsfuneralhome.net