Dan Franklin

 Surrounded by his loving family, the heavens received to glory, Mr. Dan Franklin, Sr. 84, Daniel's transitioned on March 30, 2018 at Trail Point Village Nursing Home after an extended illness. 
  Dan was born on May 15, 1933 to Dan and Marie (Gray) Franklin in Helen, Arkansas. Both parents preceded Dan to glory.
  While attending school in Helen, Arkansas, Dan met and married Dorothy (Braugher) Franklin and to their union three children was born, Dariel (Gloria) Franklin of Denver, Colorado, Ronnie (Johnnie) Franklin of Chicago, Illinois and Lillian Franklin of Memphis, Tennessee. 
  In the early 1950s, Dan relocated to South Bend, Indiana. During this time Dan met Miss Lorene Johnson, and after a brief courtship the two were united in holy matrimony. Dan and Lorene Franklin were the hardworking, proud and caring parents of 16 children; daughters, Sylvia (Johnson) Swanson, Theresa Johnson, Mary Johnson, Caroline Franklin, Tracy (Franklin) Kelley, Robin (Aaron) White, Candace Franklin and Temple Franklin all of South Bend, Indiana, Resha (Anthony) Canty of Chicago, Illinois; sons, Dan Johnson, Kelvin Franklin, Troy (Kim) Franklin, Terrel Franklin and ToRo Franklin all of South Bend. Indiana. 
  The angels called Lorene Johnson Franklin home to glory on June 13, 1983. After the passing of Lorene; the Lord blessed Dan to meet and marry Miss Vivian Jones. Dan and Vivian Franklin have two sons, Dan and Deshawn Franklin of South Bend, Indiana, step-children, Shonte, Queae, Andre and Troy Jones.
  In the early seventies Dan dedicated his life to the Lord at Saints Memorial, Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor, Elder Carl Steen Sr. Dan was always known for his work ethics and worked extremely hard to provide for his family. Dan retired from the University of Notre Dame; other careers included steel worker at Inland Steel, and numerous and varied part time jobs he would take to support his family.
  Affectionately known as "Pops" to his children and "Uncle Dan" to his nieces and nephews he was a proven lifeline for his family always giving good advice and guidance to them. He loved his family and enjoyed being around his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed playing spades, barbecuing and cooking full course meals for his family. Dan, Pops, Uncle Dan, Grandpa, father and husband will certainly be missed by his caring and faithful wife, Vivian, 18children, 86 grandchildren, 116 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, mother-in law Sarah (Snow) Johnson, special sister-in law, Ida (Kyle) Laster, brother-in-law, Wilson Johnson Jr. sisters-in-law, Alberta (George) Husband,Mary Ann Bethel, Alice Allen and Gloria (Chester)Ellis, special nephews, Cornelius "Bud" Johnson, Dennis (DJ) Johnson Benny Johnson, and Marcus Northern, special great-nephew, Jason Micou, the Dickens family, special friends, Michael Watts and Jimmy Boyd. He had a father/son bond with Aaron White who he called his main man, Umika Parker and Tarae Washington. 
  Proceeding him in death are his parents Dan and Marie Franklin, brother Jessie Franklin, wife Lorene Franklin, sons Terry Franklin, Bernard Johnson, great grandchildren, Daryl Franklin, and great great grandsons 
  Keonn Swanson, Carlmethean J. Stansberry Jr, Tevin Franklin, father-in-law Wilson Johnson Sr. daughter-in-law, Kimberly Franklin and son-in-law, John Swanson.
  All will always remember Dan worked hard to provide for his family and made sure they had the things they needed.
  A special thanks to Saint Joseph ICU medical staff 6th floor. Trail Point Village and the Hospice staff who supported the family through this difficult time. A special thanks to Monique and Fallon Northern for taking special care of Uncle Dan while at Trail Point Village. 
  Services will be at Faith Apostolic on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 12:00 p.m., with viewing from 11:00 a.m., to noon.

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