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Gerald Franklin, formerly of Driskel Lake, Jones, passed away Sept. 28, 2010 in Prairie City, Ore. Gerald was born Sept. 27, 1915 in Payne, Ohio, the son of Ira and Sarah Ellen (Foreman) Franklin. He grew up in the Three Rivers area, moving for a few years to Jamestown, N.Y., where he met and married Orleatha Minteer of Pennsylvania. They had four children, Clifford Franklin, Jerry Franklin, Kay Ann Franklin-Lisiecki and Rex Franklin (deceased).
Moving back to Michigan, Gerald was employed at Armstrong Machine Works for a number of years before working at the Studebaker Auto Plant in South Bend, Ind., and then General Motors in Flint. Upon retiring from General Motors he moved to Henderson, Nev. where he was the assistant recreational director for the City of Henderson. He then moved to Prairie City, Ore. where he was the Police Chief. After full retirement, he moved to Driskel Lake, Jones, where he lived until declining health took him back to Prairie City, Ore. to be with family.
He is survived by sons and spouses Clifford (Linda), Jerry (Marsha) of Prairie City, Ore. and daughter Kay Ann Franklin-Lisiecki of Clarksville, Tenn. He is also survived by siblings, Ruth Lewis, Pauline Jones, of Three Rivers and Giles (Kathy) Franklin and Betty Weese of Henderson, Nev.; sisters-in-law Pauline Franklin and Vivian Franklin of Tucson, Ariz. Preceding him in death were his parents, son, Rex Franklin, sisters, Beulah McKee, Edna Franklin-Mullett, and brothers Ellis Franklin and Paul Franklin.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Driskil Memorial Chapel, John Bay, Ore. is handling arrangements. Family members may be reached c/o Jerry Franklin, 30923 N. River Road, Prairie City, OR 97869 or phone (541) 820-3721.
