Thomas "Tom" Franklin

Thomas Earl "Tom" Franklin, 72, of Casa Grande died on March 25, 2014, at home.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Friday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel. The celebration of life will follow at 10, with Pastor Morris Pruitt officiating. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

Mr. Franklin was born on Aug. 10, 1941, in Bellevue, Ohio, and was a son of George and Dorthea Franklin. He served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and was an automobile inspector. He liked to fish, hunt, play cards, collect playing cards and go to the Cowboy Church and talk about the Lord.

He always put God first, then his wife and family. He was an avid bowler who nearly turned pro, and he loved his family and his dog, Tenchi. He enjoyed playing baseball, softball, football and golf. He and his wife worked on a food-sharing program based in Coolidge and were service coordinators for the Salvation Army before organization as a church. They also helped with Thanksgiving dinners for the poor and lonely and an adopt-a-family program.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jean; three daughters, Brenda Franklin of Mesa, Sheri Chavez and Kelly Franklin-Ortiz of Casa Grande; a son, Curt Franklin of Casa Grande; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Sayre.