Ernie Ted Franklin, 95, of West Lafayette, formerly West Point, Indiana, passed away on May 15, 2022, at 9:15 p.m. at Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette.
Ted was born on September 23, 1926, in Green Hill, Indiana, to the late J. W. and Ella (Wilson) Franklin where his family owned the town’s general store. He attended Green Hill Grade School and was a 1944 graduate of Otterbein High School. He then served in the US Army from 1945-1946.
Ted began his career working for Lafayette Engraving Company from January 1947 to April 1962, and then became a starting partner at Trio Engraving Inc. from April 1962 to his retirement in 1989.
He enjoyed cooking, fishing, gardening, watching sports and most of all his family.
Ted married Mildred L. Maitlen on July 9, 1949, in Delphi. They were married for 57 years.
He is survived by his beloved twin sons, Michael (Jackie) Franklin of West Lafayette and Steven Franklin of Delphi.
Also surviving are 8 grandchildren: Matt Franklin and Aaron Franklin of Delphi; Erik (Danielle) Franklin of Greenwood; Ginger (Erik) Miller of West Lafayette; Kari (Matt) Harvey of Frankfort; Kassi (Jeff) Jones of Evansville; Kelsey (Robert) Graupner of Guam; and Kayleigh (Joe) Wittenborn of West Lafayette. Thirteen great-grandchildren: Taylor, Dru, Sierra, Emilee, Ella M., Ella F., Finn, Clay, Kellen, Raylan, Kinley, Kora and Hayden. Also several nieces and nephews.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mildred in 2006, his daughter-in-law Barbara in 2020, his four brothers: Joseph, Charles, Wendell and Wilbur Franklin, and five sisters: Mary Coats, Martha Booher, Louise Franklin, Dorothy (Dixie) Conner and Norma Peterson.
Visitation will be held at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham from 1 – 3 p.m. on May 23, 2022, with funeral service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Indiana Veterans Home, West Lafayette, in memory of Ted Franklin.