Lester "Bill" Allen Franklin

Lester "Bill" Allen Franklin, 92, of Huron, Ohio, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and laughter.

He was born Oct. 10, 1931, to Roy and Leota Franklin, in Clarksfield, Ohio. He was a graduate of Norwalk High School, where he played football. He was also a dedicated U.S. Army veteran, serving from Dec. 8, 1949, to Nov. 30, 1954. Bill's commitment extended far beyond his military service. For 24 years, he served as a Huron Township trustee. For 36 years, he ensured the safety and well-being of his community at Columbia Gas in Norwalk, Ohio, where he started as a serviceman and retired as the district safety and health specialist.

At the heart of Bill's world was his beloved wife, Kathleen, with whom he shared an enduring and joyous marriage of 67 years. Together they built a beautiful family in Huron. They also spent 40 winters in Fort Myers, FL, creating memories with family and friends.

Bill’s presence among family, friends, colleagues, and associates was marked by his wit, satire, sense of humor, and a treasure trove of jokes that brought joy to those who knew him. He loved to travel with his wife and family, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed supporting the Ohio State Football team with his daughter, Lori.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kathleen (nee Meyer) Franklin; sister, Jean Powell; daughter, Linda (nee Franklin) Makarewicz (Michael); son, Dean Franklin; grandchildren, Kathleen McCabe (Dan), Megan Makarewicz (Robert Price), Philip Makarewicz, and Paige Dawson; and great-grandchildren, Hattie and Matthew McCabe.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Lawrence and Jerry Franklin; and his daughter, Lori Ann (nee Franklin) Dawson.

Visitation will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church, 930 Main St., Huron, OH, 44839, with memorial services at 2 p.m. Immediately following will be a burial with Military Honors at Scott Union Cemetery in Huron. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation or the Firelands Foundation, honoring Bill's compassionate dedication to the well-being of others. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, let us remember the laughter he brought, the love he shared, and the enduring impact of a life well-lived.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Firelands Home Health Team, the staff of the 3 Tower Firelands Regional Medical Center, and others who assisted in his care.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com. 

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