Kenneth D. Franklin departed this life Thursday August 9, 2012 to with his beloved Teresa in eternity. Kenneth D. Franklin was born in Goshen Hospital at 12:12 p.m. on September 16, 1965 to John S. and Georgia B. Franklin. Kenny''s formidable years were spent in Ligonier, Cromwell and Wawaka. Kenny attended school at the West Noble school systems. At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He earned his High School Diploma from Ribault High School in Atlantic Beach Florida. Kenny served aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA CV60 from 1982 until 1986 as a Boatswain''s Mate. His ship made many historical cruises including the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Kenny was aboard ship when all those Marines were massacred in Beirut Lebanon while in their barracks back in 1983. He was a helm-qualified sailor who often steered the mighty ship. His continents visited were Europe, Africa, Indonesia, Scandinavia and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and Great Britain Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Other countries visited were Spain, France Italy Portugal Kenya, Alexandria, Egypt, and his favorites Amsterdam Holland. His ship saw many skirmishes with Libya in 1983 and again in 1986 He visited Israel. Surviving is his mother, Georgia Timmis of Avilla, father, stepmother, John S. (Mary C.) Franklin, Ft. Wayne, sister, Kimberly (Jesus) Resendiz, Kendallville, 3 special nieces and nephews, Savannah Resendiz, Joseph Resendiz and Cristian Resendiz all of Kendallville, his precious daughter Lacy Nikoel, Ft. Wayne. Kenny worked at many local factories and foundries and was an excellent welder and fabricator. Kenny was an avid follower of the Grateful Dead, traveling to show all over the nation and the world. It gave him great joy and peace and it was a community he actually belonged in. So much love he gleaned from them!! SUNSHINE AND DAYDREAMS In his earlier years, he loved to ride old Harleys, Triumphs, and BSAs. He loved the air in his hair and his knees in the breeze. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Foye and Irene Brewster and paternal Grandparents Robert and Della Franklin. And by the love of his life Teresa Ann Deese. Honoring Ken''s wishes there will be a private family gathering.