John C. Franklin
August 16, 1937 – February 18, 2023
John C. Franklin, 85, of Pace passed away at his home on February 18th, 2023, surrounded by family. John was born on August 16th, 1937, in Bluff Springs to Carlton and Queen Victoria Franklin. He lived with his family in Jay until he enlisted in the Army underage by lying about his birthdate. His mother located him in Germany where he was stationed ten months later. The Army discharged him upon learning his true age. A few months later, he convinced his father to sign the papers allowing him to legally re-enlist. John served twenty-one and a half years in the military before retiring in 1975. During his career he was stationed in Germany, South Korea, twice in Vietnam, and Greenland. After retirement he was an owner-operator of a semi driving company for the next thirty-eight years.
John is preceded in death by his mother, Queen Victoria Franklin; his father, John Carlton Franklin Sr.; and four of his sisters: Ann Langford, Shirley Tompkins, Lily Mae Lambert, and Rosa Inez Poland.
John is survived by his wife of forty-two years, LuAnn; three daughters, Lisa Noa (Kris), Karen Dobbs, and Marion Klingeberger; son, Johnny Covington; two brothers, Douglas and Robert Franklin; five sisters: Mary Sue Pittman, Ruby Fernandez, Helen Bates, Danny Fay Franklin, and Vicky Franklin; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton on March 2, 2023 with a service being held at 6pm and visitation following until 8pm. . For any who would like to attend John’s service at Barrancas National Cemetery please meet at Olive Baptist Warrington (103 W Winthrop Ave, Pensacola, FL 32507) by 1pm to line up in procession for a 1:30pm Barrancas service on March 3, 2023.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Vitas Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers please make donations to SMILE TRAIN.