John G. Franklin, 78, Marion, passed away at 1:25 pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial in Muncie. He was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, on Wednesday, June 4, 1947, to John "JT" Thomas and Helen Frances (Blackburn) Franklin. On April 20, 2002, he married Cindy Rice and she survives.
John graduated from Cynthiana High School in Kentucky in 1965. Following high school, John served in the United States Army. He then worked as a Maintenance Foreman for 37 years with General Motors until he retired in 2009. He was a Master Mason of Converse Lodge #601. He liked fishing; working on cars; and watching the Colts, the Fever, and the Pacers. One of his prized possessions was his 1979 Corvette. John loved his animals but most of all, he enjoyed being with his wife and grandkids and loved going to their sporting events.
Survivors include his son, Eddie Franklin of Covington, KY; daughter, Tabatha (Jim) Barney of Gas City; granddaughters, Hayle Franklin of Kokomo, Chloe Barney of Gas City; grandson, Alec Barney of Gas City; great-granddaughter, Rose Byrd; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John "JT" Thomas and Helen Frances Franklin; brother, Kenneth Franklin; and sister, Claudette "Ann" Chamblin.
The family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm and a Masonic service will held from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm, on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St, Gas City, IN.
A Funeral Service to celebrate John's life will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel. Pastor Mick Simpkins will be officiating with burial following at Gardens of Memory - Marion.
Memorial contributions may be directed your favorite charity in his memory.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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