It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend. Donn Duane Franklin passed away on March 2, 2020 after a short battle with cancer in Forsyth MT. He was born in Richland WA., the third son to his parents James and Nellie Franklin. He was born on March 3, 1952. He grew up in Richland WA. where he attended Jason Lee Elementary, Chief Joseph Jr. High, and graduated from Columbia High School in 1971. He started his working career as a landscaping engineer at the Sham-Nu-Pum Golf Course. He went on to be a fresh potato shipper until 1976, when he became a Heat and Frost Insulator, Local 82, out of Spokane WA.
He married his first wife JoAnn Boyer on September 7, 1973 together they have four children Troy, Trisha, Trina and Travis.
In April 1984 he accomplished the achievement of his life and gave his heart and soul to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The family moved to Forsyth in 1984, where Donn worked on the Colstrip Power Plant before retiring in 1992. He went back to Collage in 1994 finished in 1999 and then went to work for Diversified Transfer and Storage out of Billings Mt. in 2000.
He married his second wife Melissa Stroh on April 23, 2005. From this marriage he became a stepfather to three more children Garrett, RyAnn and Richard.
He was baseball manager for 12 years and coached wrestling for 30 years.
He enjoyed being with his family, going camping and building stuff out of wood. He enjoyed training his dogs and horses. You would see him often walking around town with his grandson Ian and dog Travieso. He enjoyed every one of his 20 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
Donn is survived by his wife Melissa Franklin, grandchildren Brianna Franklin, Amber Franklin, Troy Franklin Jr., Layton Franklin, Braedon Franklin, Mariah Hartgrave, Mercedi Hartgrave, Jentry Peppersack, Phillip Peppersack, Seth Peppersack, Eli Franklin, Lanee Franklin, Shay Franklin, Jettin Rath, Evalynn Rath, Ian Hansell, Parker and Paislee Jenson, and Greycin Jenson, brothers Stephen(Vickie) Boyer, Carl(Marie) Franklin and Larry Franklin, children Troy(Holly) Franklin, Trisha(Kenny) Hartgrave, Trina(Scott) Peppersack, Travis(Kelly) Franklin, Garrett Rath, RyAnn Jenson, Richard Rath, numerous nieces and nephews, and many more family and friends. He is proceeded in death by his sister Pauline Franklin, parents James and Nellie Franklin, brother James Franklin, grandson Taylon Franklin, great nephew Kaleb Anderson, and great niece Maisy Ann Papka.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday March 5, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday March 6, 2020
Forsyth Baptist Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday March 6, 2020
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday March 5, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday March 6, 2020
Forsyth Baptist Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday March 6, 2020
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Dale Beyl says
Missy, sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie Anderson says
Melissa, I am so sorry to hear of Donn’s passing. I am in shock!! You and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Erin Lantis Leininger says
RIP Uncle Donn. May you be pain free. Sure going to miss you!
Lynn Tompkins says
Melissa, so sorry to hear about Donn. My thoughts are with you.
Lacy Hutchens says
Auntie Missy- My thoughts and prayers are with you and Donn’s family. Lots of love to you!!!- Lacy
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
Im so sorry for your loss, you all are in my thoughts and prayers
John and Lillian Loomis says
We are so sorry Missy and family!! Our love and prayers are with you!!
Elaine Egeland says
I am so sorry for your loss of Donn. You and your family are in my prayers.
Mitzi Beecher says
So sorry to hear about this think of all you guys 💕🙏🏼
Donald John and Alice Cameron says
Missy, We are sorry to hear this news. We know that there was no hope of recovery but also know that that doesn’t make death any easier. You take care of you now and hold onto all the good memories. We want you to know that if we can do anything to help, all you have to do is holler. Hugs from us to you and your family.
Tara Batey says
So sorry to learn of Donn. Praying for you and your family!
Tracie Jones says
Melissa,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family are with you….
Sug n baby love says
Troy Trisha Trina and Travis. To include their children n their children and spouses as well. Miss Melissa dear heart. This part of the family is huge but so many more…. May we be grateful he is no longer in pain n can fly with the Angel’s we know he will check in from time to time may he find peace . A hole is left in your hearts just fill it with all the positive memories n take a deep breath n look how far you have come with him by your side
Rita FitzGerald says
Melissa—so very sorry to read of this loss!! Donn always brought a smile. Such a gentleman and a gentle man! You are in my prayers🙏
Amee and family says
Sending my love to all the family. To my cousins who lost their dad, to my cousins who lost their uncle, to the cousins who lost their grandpa, to my aunt who lost the father of her children, to Melissa who lost her partner, may we hold the light of joyous memories and loving hearts. His loss will be felt.
Larry and Val Edwards says
So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of you. Larry and Val
Bob Chambers says
So sorry to hear Missy.
Kam Murnion says
So sorry for your families loss prayers for all.
Deb and Bill Anderson says
Missy, so sorry for your loss and RIP Don .
Mike and Karen Stroh says
Sending our thoughts and prayers to you Missy, and all the Family. No one passes through this world without leaving some kind of print. Hold on to all the memories. Love you.
Marsha Ash says
Justin and I are sending lots of love and prayers to you all. We are so sorry for your loss.
Jon mohr says
I’ve never met a man that treated me as his own as Donn did. He had such an influence on my life. Honestly he had a huge part in my raising, that I wouldn’t know what I’d do without him. I love you missy. I’ll cherish you Donn
Julie and Tim Rau says
A bright light has gone dim this afternoon. Fly high above the clouds, past the gates of heaven and into our heavenly father’s arms. No more pain, with a new body, waiting for me when it’s time for me to get my wings. I love you Uncle Donn Franklin, I will miss your smile, laughter but most of all your hugs and love.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this time.
We love each and everyone of you,
Christina Jare says
So sorry for your loss Melissa. Praying for you and your family.
Robert and Jennifer Sayball says
To my dear nephews Troy Jr. Layton, Braedon and to there father Troy Sr. and his brothers and sisters Trisha, Trina,Travis, and all of there children. I am so sorry for your loss. May all of your memories bring you some peace during this time of sadness! Know that he is watching over all of you and will get you through this difficult time. God bless you all!!
helen corbin says
Sorry for your loss Melissa If there’s something I can do please let me know Prayers to all
Jose quiroz says
So sorry for your loss Donn was a good friend and coach prayers to his family
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and prayers for Melissa and Family Hope you find comfort in your Memories and in Gods love Hugs to all.
Angelica Galvez says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your family.
Monty and Sheila Haselhuhn says
Sheila and I were saddened at the news of Donna passing. I enjoyed working with Donn during wrestling and with his sons who wrestled. Our prayers go out to his entire family. May he now Rest In Peace.
Denise Strand Stambaugh says
Sorry to hear this. May Gods love comfort you and your family during this time of sadness.
Joe Giacomini says
My deepest condolences to the Franklin family, so sorry for your loss. Don was a great man and good friend. Some of my fondest memories of him was during wrestling tournaments coaching kids together and watching his son Travis wrestling. You will be missed my friend, Rest In Peace…………….
Laura Stroh says
So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Mike and Lynn Blakesley says
Melissa, Mike and I were so sorry to hear about Donn. He was always so fun to kid around with when you two came to the theatre! Hugs to you.
Lin. Cory. Koerper says
To the Franklin Family…I will always remember Donn with a thankfulness for his encouragement to Benny in wrestling. I know Benny looked up to him in many ways. We always enjoyed him bringing Travis to Nevada to spend the Summer during high school. Made for many great memories. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will give peace and comfort to all of you .
Darrell & Emma Higgins & Family says
Missy and Family ~
Donn was a one in a million guy. We treasure each and every memory that we made with him. He will truly be missed. Knowing that he is whole again, pain free and in Heaven is sincerely a comfort. You are all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.
Karen Upchurch Bowman says
The Franklin family was well-known in Richland WA. Donnie was a truly special guy and will be missed for sure, especially by his huge family. Rest in peace Donn. May you all find peace and comfort knowing he’s no longer in pain and that he’s watching over each of you until you are reunited in Heaven.