John M. Franklin

John M. Franklin, 82, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away at home on August 28, 2026. He left this earth with a peaceful smile on his face, leaving his family to know he was seeing Jesus welcoming him home. John was born August 14, 1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Lloyd C. “Bill” and Evelyn (Jones) Franklin. John was a 1962 graduate of Freedom High School, Owen County, Indiana. John liked to brag that he was in the top 4 of his graduating class of 6! He married the love of his life, Ann Rodenbeck September 11, 1964 in Freedom, Indiana. He was a loving husband and proud dad to Rick and Amy and doting Papaw to Hannah, Sam, Bowen and Maya. John was employed by Allison Transmission for over 30 years, retiring in 1999. John will be remembered for his work ethic both in his career and in charity. John was a long-time member of the Suburban West Optimist Club and served numerous terms as the organization’s President. He was devoted to the organization’s cause of bringing out the best in youth and the community. You could find John at the Optimist Club’s Christmas tree lot from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, selling and loading up trees to raise money in support of the west side youth. John was strong in his faith, proud of his country, and devoted to his family and friends. John was always ready with a firm handshake, a corny wise crack, a warm smile and hearty laugh. John loved a round of golf, fresh yeast donuts from Long’s Bakery, playing cards, a bowl of popcorn, crispy Hoosier tenderloins, naps on the couch, and cheering on the Hoosiers, Colts, and Butler Bulldogs. Those who loved John will best remember him for his love of dancing. Whether it was Motown or county, he loved dancing, and always with Ann. John loved to entertain. His backyard summer parties became legendary. What began as an annual cookout with family and a few close friends grew year after year into a much-anticipated west-side event, complete with lobster boils, fish fries, fireworks, and live music by Hobeeluv. John loved seeing a backyard full of people he cared about, and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome. That was John. He worked hard. His pride and devotion to family was unwavering. He was thoughtful before speaking. He served generously. His joy for life was heard in his laugh and seen when he danced. John leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless friendships, and a family who will miss his smile, his wisdom, his steady presence, his wise cracks and of course, his backyard parties. His family takes comfort in knowing that John left this life peacefully, with a gentle, beautiful smile on his face, ready to dance in heaven. John is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Ann Franklin; children, Rick A. Franklin (Stephanie) and Amy M. Boyer (Stephen); grandchildren, Hannah C. Franklin, Sam C. Franklin, Bowen J. Pickett (Kaia Conlon), and Maya A. Pickett; sister, Carole A. Cross; and brother, Douglas K. Franklin (Geri). He was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen Franklin. Visitation will be Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Road, Fishers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Luminary Hospice in honor of John Franklin at Luminaryhospice.com or https://form.jotform.com/261464502392152

John M. Franklin

August 14, 1944 - August 28, 2026