Howard Merrill Franklin, 90, of Palm Coast, passed from this life on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at his home following an extended illness. A native of Gladstone, Michigan, he resided in Palm Coast since 2005 moving there from New Port Pagnell, England. Howard was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and retired as a Master Sergeant (MSgt) following 20 years of honorable service. Following his active duty, Howard worked 20 more years in civil service. He was a member of the Central Church of Christ of Flagler County where he had served as an elder. One of Howard’s favorite past-times was making decorative Decoy Duck Carvings.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey E. Franklin and Millicent Morin Franklin and a sister, Shirley Tremel of Loveland, CO.
Howard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gloria Franklin of Palm Coast, a son, Dewey Franklin of Palm Coast, 2 daughters, Deborah Franklin Furse of Australia and Carol Hill (Andrew) of Palm Coast and 5 grandchildren, Aurora Franklin, Kyle Hill, Lewis Hill, Joshua Hill and Aaron Hill.
Memorial services celebrating Howard’s life will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Central Church of Christ in Bunnell with Bro. David Stidham officiating. The U.S. Air Force will also conduct military honors.
In lieu of flowers, it was Howard's wish that memorial contributions be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Howard’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.