Franklin James Klohn Jr.

Franklin James Klohn, Jr.

August 8, 1951 - June 7, 2025

Columbia, South Carolina - Franklin James Klohn, Jr., 73, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Born on August 8, 1951, in Galion, Ohio, Frank was the second of five children, and the eldest son, of the late Ruth E. (Dorchester) Klohn and Franklin J. Klohn. Frank grew up in Ohio and Iowa and completed high school at Mason City High School in Iowa. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Dubuque, a master's degree from Central Missouri State, and a Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology.

Frank's professional career was dedicated to helping others. He worked as a clinical psychologist in state facilities in both Illinois and South Carolina before becoming the director of the Pain Therapy Center in Columbia, SC. Later, he opened a private practice, which he enjoyed until his retirement in 2022.

Frank had a big personality and a memorable sense of humor, best known through his ever-present love of puns. He was interested in current events, music, astronomy, and cars, and he enjoyed sharing information and bantering with others. He loved the mountains of North Carolina and treasured weekends at his cabin in Blowing Rock, where he recently completed a 28-year building project lovingly referred to as the "Garage Mahal."

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lisa Smith Klohn; his daughter and son-in-law, Katherine and Brett Carlyle; and his beloved grandchildren, Lily "L" and Oscar Carlyle, all of Wellington, New Zealand. He is also survived by his siblings, Darlene Barnes, John Klohn and his wife, Lori Klohn, Melanie "Shelli" Cochran, and Mark Klohn.

Frank's family is grateful for the care provided to him at the end of his life by Amedisys Hospice and Right-At-Home Caretaking Service. Special appreciation is expressed to caretakers Roy Balacanao, Jr. and Tirena Williams.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home Northeast Chapel, 4219 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia, SC.

Frank will be remembered for his larger-than-life persona and his love for his family, including his beloved cats.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.