Donald Ralph Franklin

FRANKLIN, Donald Ralph. November 7, 2025. Age 74. Proud and loving father of Melissa "Lucy" Franklin, Kyle Franklin, and Dana Sheets. Dear Papa of Bryon, Conner, Brooklyn, Landon, and Stella and brother of Marlene Thurman and Karen Wenzel. Donald was born in Detroit and raised in Warren graduating from Cousino high school in 1969. Beloved son of the late Ralph and Mabel Franklin. Donald raised his 3 children as a single father working as a master plumber and ending his career in inspection at the city of Roseville. Donald was a member of deer camp in Drummond Island where he went since he was a kid with his father and Uncle Roy and Aunt Lillian. Donald was a funny and caring man who loved to boat, fish, and hunt and had an extensive gun collection. He enjoyed his time in Old Mission where his father was born and raised in the home they built in 1973 together. He is 7th generation on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City and ancestor of Col. John Franklin born in 1749. He was also a 3rd degree tang soo do karate master trained under the famous Kim. Donald loved the Beatles music. Donald leaves behind many friends and family who he loved dearly and will be missed by all but never forgotten in memories. A memorial gathering to celebrate Donald's life will be held in the future as he would hate to ruin everyone's hunting season with a funeral. Memorial contributions to the Grosse Pointe Academy are appreciated. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com