Clarence Oak "Frank" Franklin, born in a farmhouse in Spencerville, IN, the sixth child of John and Ivah Franklin on January 4, 1934, passed from his disease-ridden body to his heavenly reward on December 11, 2018 at 2:12 a.m.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Willowdean (Combs) Franklin, and all of his siblings. He married Willowdean (Dee) in 1953 and they had 3 children, Doug (Michelle) of Beattyville, KY, Jackie (Dana) Brady of Claypool, IN, and Rhonda Franklin of Fort Wayne. He has 6 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

The numbers listed above are a fraction of those that Frank considered family. He loved and valued every person he encountered. Countless lives were changed because of the warmth that was as much a part of him as any physical feature. A few moments in his presence and your day would be brighter.

Frank served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957 as a radar operator, earning the rank of Airman 1 ^st Class. While serving he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Metal and the 502 ^nd Tac Con Gp.

Mr. Franklin worked in sales for most of his adult life, for Western Auto and various plumbing suppliers. The highlight of his vocations, however, was a retirement position as chaplain and counselor to the men at the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center. Nothing brought him greater joy than to see lives rise from the ruins of unfortunate decisions to be transformed by the grace and mercy of a loving Heavenly Father.

Frank loved sports. He played Basketball in the Air Force and on various church leagues, was the pitcher on a fast pitch softball team and could take on just about anyone in ping pong. He was a life-long Cubs fan and proudly wore his cherished World Series cap.

Of all of his accomplishments in life, the most valuable thing he contributed to the world was his passion to reflect the love of God. He valued all people, loved all people and treated everyone like they were a masterpiece, because he realized they were made by the Master for a purpose that they could only achieve as they were transformed by His grace. And he was a conduit for that grace, extending it to all… no matter where they had been or what they had done. Frank excelled in grace and love for all people. He learned so much by walking with His God every single day. He would be the first to tell you that he was nothing, but God was everything. His humility and his joy were his trademarks, right alongside his compassion. A devout man of God and a wonderful example for us all, Clarence Franklin, will be greatly missed.

Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Westview Alliance Church 9804 Ilinois Rd. Ft. Wayne, IN 46804.  (Please use door #3)