Eugene Phillip Franklin

Eugene Phillip “Gene” Franklin passed away peacefully at home. Born on December 7, 1935, in Birmingham, Alabama. Gene lived life to the fullest for 89 years.

He met his lovely wife, Faye Ruth McGee Franklin, while they were in high school. Gene was Faye’s math tutor at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama. They married after Faye’s graduation in 1955. Together they raised their three children, Deborah “Debbie” Faye Franklin Fox (Trent), Phillip “Flip” Michael Franklin (1961-1999), and Curtis Eugene Franklin (Adelaide).

Gene began his lifelong career as a draftsman for reinforcing and structural steel while still in high school. He was a natural mathematician beginning his career using a slide rule at the drafting table. He switched to a calculator in the 1970’s, but never a computer. He worked for Bethlehem Steel, Virginia Steel, Baton Rouge Steel, and finally his own company Baton Rouge Steel and Steel Sales & Services. He continued working at the drafting table until age 86!

His career moved his young family from Birmingham, AL to Jackson, MS, Anderson, SC, Jacksonville, FL and finally settling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1968. After a few years in Baton Rouge, he switched Tigers – from Auburn to LSU. In his last week, he was enjoying watching LSU’s baseball. For many decades he had season football tickets for LSU and New Orleans Saints including before the superdome.

As a boy growing up in Birmingham, Gene and his older brother Bob had many adventures. If they got into too much trouble they would run to their beloved British grandmother, Hannah Bell Hawke, for protection. If you had a minute to listen, Gene would tell stories only slightly embellished of their adventures.

Gene began collecting old coins and Case knives as a boy and continued into his 80’s. He also enjoyed collecting guns, especially those associated with cowboys and the old west. He was a boy scout and a Mason of the Masonry fraternal organization. He was not one for traveling unless it involved hunting or fishing. His favorite vacation spot was in Alabama at his in-law’s, Mac and Bootie, 400-acre farm with the 40-acre Lake Rumac, where the whole family could fish or hunt. He always enjoyed a good cup of coffee especially with his best friend Rudy Long.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert “Bob” Milton Franklin and his son, Phillip “Flip” Michael Franklin.

He is survived by his wife, Faye, two children, Debbie (Trent), Curtis (Adelaide); as well as his five cherished grandchildren, Neilson Lea (Sarah), Candace Franklin Barron (Seth), Clayton Franklin (RiAnne), Hanna Fox Della (Justin), and Fae Fox. He was blessed with 2 great-grandchildren, Sadie and Cooper Barron.

Gene’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the caregivers, friends, and loved ones who made it possible for him to remain at home in his final days. Your kindness, presence, and support meant the world. A special thank you to his treasured friend, Rudy Long, for going to great lengths to support our family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge, on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com