Charles Lee Franklin

Charles Lee Franklin, 83, of Versailles passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at his home. He was born in the Forest Corner neighborhood northwest of Holton on March 5, 1937 the son of Glenn and Josie Stratton Franklin. He was married to Bonnie Townsend on October 26, 1974 and she preceded him in death on August 26, 2017. 

Survivors include two sons Mark (Carla) Franklin of Holton and Geoff Franklin of Osgood; five grandchildren Ethan Franklin of Butlerville, Dana Franklin of Asheboro, North Carolina, Kendra Franklin of Holton, and Nicholas and Madelynn Franklin of Osgood. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Elmer and William Franklin. 

Mr. Franklin was a 1956 graduate of Holton High School. He was a 37 year employee of Bonn Aluminum in Greensburg where he worked in quality control. Charlie was a member of the Dabney Baptist Church, was a former member of the Ripley County Fair board, and was a member of the McDonald’s “Coffee Club’’ in Versailles. He enjoyed farming when he and Bonnie still lived in the Holton community and also collecting Farmall tractors. Charlie was a fan of IU basketball and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He and Bonnie loved country music and had made 43 trips to Branson, Missouri. He also served his country as a part of the National Guard. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 25th at 11 a.m. at the Dabney Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Dabney Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Dabney Cemetery or the Good News Clubs in care of the funeral home.