SFC1 (Ret.) Donald Edward Franklin (Papa), 80, of LaGrange passed away Sunday, November 7, 2010, at his home.

Mr. Franklin was born November 6, 1930, in Plant City, FL, son of the late Robert Jefferson and Lucy Agnes O’Kane Franklin. He had resided in Troup County since 1968. He retired from the United States Army in 1970, after 23 years of service, and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Mr. Franklin also retired in 1999 from the Troup County Board of Education, after 16 years of service as a bus driver, janitor and lunchroom monitor. He worked at Gray Hill, Rosemont, Cannon Street, Long Cane and Troup High School. Many will remember him crocheting (one of favorite hobbies) at the football stadium while selling tickets or portraying Santa Claus at many local events. Mr. Franklin also enjoyed fishing, hunting, grandparenting and being a member and deacon at County Line Baptist Church (now Creekside Baptist Church).

Survivors include his dedicated and loving wife of 13 years, Joyce Taylor Franklin of LaGrange (formerly of Morgantown, WV); sons, Robert J. Franklin, Richard C. Clendenin, Robert C. Clendenin (Holli); daughters, Peggy A. Bolling (Jerry); Margaret A. Franklin, and Tera Tarwater; granddaughters, Elizabeth (Beth) Radford, Patricia (Tricia) Franklin, Kerrigan Stanley and Lauren Clendenin; grandsons, Troy Franklin, Carson Tarwater, Robbie Clendenin and Ryan Clendenin, all of LaGrange; many nieces, nephews and friends; and 2 special friends, Tina Carden and Verna Brown. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Goen Franklin.

Memorial services will be 3:00 Saturday at Creekside Baptist Church with Rev. Bryan Geter and Rev. Lamar Truitt officiating.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Franklin to the Creekside Baptist Church Building Fund, 1579 Stovall Road, LaGrange, GA 30241.

Condolences may be expressed at www.hunterallenmyhand.com