John Dale Franklin, otherwise known as "D" or "Sweet Johnny D" and longtime resident of Union County, passed away on Tuesday August 20, 2024, at the age of 87.  John was born in Union County on May 27, 1937, one of 11 children of the late Clyde and Fannie Pope Franklin.

Soon after graduating from high school in 1955, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for 4 years and attained the rank of 2nd Class Airman Material Management Specialist of Aviation.  During his enlistment, he served at several Air Force Bases including those in San Antonio, Texas, Cheyenne Wyoming, Saudi Arabia, Spain, France and Bermuda.  After returning home in 1960, he met his wife to be, Linda Bowman.  John and Linda were married in May of 1962.

John worked for 30 years at the Ford plant in Connersville, retiring in 1994.  He loved Ford cars, tractors, and trucks, especially the old classic ones.  John loved going to car shows, playing cards with his nieces and nephews, going to casinos and racing.  Most of all he loved spoiling his grandkids.

His love and memories will be cherished by his wife of 62 years, Linda; daughter, Kim Franklin; son Jeff (Kim) Franklin; five granddaughters, Kayla (Shawn) Franklin, Dollie (Jeremy) Steele, Emily (Lawrence) Schwab, Allison (Forrestt) Franklin and Danielle (Jon) Dathe; two bonus grandsons, Dakota and Isaac; and four great grandchildren, Naomi, Oliver, Keegan and Chloe.  He will be sadly missed by two brothers, Jack (Rose) Franklin and Lewis "Bud" (Bessie) Franklin, as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bill Franklin, Clayton Franklin, Melvin Franklin, Doris Moore, Polly Davis, Marjorie Frasur, Lucy Morrow and Lorena Mitchell; and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home, 310 N. Main, Liberty, on Tuesday August 27, 2024 at 11:00 am with Rev. Dana Hadden officiating.  He will be laid to rest at Richland Cemetery.  Friends and family may gather at the funeral home on Monday evening, August 26, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.