Mike Franklin

Michael Franklin, 83, of Fort Wayne, died Saturday June 7, 2025 at Stillwater Hospice Home. Mike was born in Fort Wayne on June 10, 1941, the son of (the late) Bernard and Virginia (Parrot) Franklin of Leo. He graduated from Leo High School with the Class of '59 and served his country proudly in the US Marine Corps. during the Vietnam Era. Mike retired from BF Goodrich in 2001, after 30+ years with the company. On August 12, 1978, Mike married Catherine (Maldeney) Franklin; Cathie survives along with their children; Michele (Steve) Tuoto of Henderson NV, Melissa (Tony) Philebaum of New Haven and Joseph (Jessica) Franklin of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Summer Philebaum of New Haven, Tessa Kamdar in Michigan, Isabel Tuoto of Henderson NV, Ben Franklin and Beckett Franklin, both of Fort Wayne; sister, Toni (Joe) Folds of Churubusco. In addition to his parents, Mike was also preceded in death by sisters, Judy Demaree, Linda Alles, Suzanne Klug, and Kate Protsman; brother, Rick Franklin and a grandson, Cain Franklin. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church-Hessen Cassel, the Knights of Columbus, St. Joe Athletic Club, the Loyal Order of Moose, American Legion Post 330, the Navy Club and the Fort Wayne Polar Bear Club. Mike's greatest joy in life was the time he spent with his family & friends, whether playing cards, especially Euchre, Yahtzee with the kids, going for ice cream, cheering on the Colts and the Mets, or spending time at their summer home on Little Barbee Lake. Mike was always willing to assist, and was generous with time and treasure; he volunteered at the St. Joseph Catholic Church-Hessen Cassel Food Bank, St. Mary's Soup Kitchen and the Associated Churches Food Bank. His family writes, "Mike was many things to many people husband, father, grandfather, coach and mentor, but he was mostly our friend because he made sure we smiled, laughed and learned, especially how to forgive one another. Mike truly enjoyed helping others, whether at work, home or traveling around Fort Wayne. He loved anything sweet, and passed this love on to his children and grandchildren. Please enjoy a piece of cake, pie, ice cream or chocolate in his memory and honor." The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am Friday June 13, 2025 in St. Joseph Catholic Church – Hessen Cassel, 11337 Old US Hwy 27 South, with visitation on Friday from 10-11am in the church. Burial in Catholic Cemetery with military honors. The family's preferred memorials are St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, online at https://stjude.org or by mail to 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis TN 38105, or St. Mary's Soup Kitchen, online at www.stmarysfw.org/giving, or by mail to 1101 S. Lafayette St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802, or St Joseph Food Bank, online at https://stjoehc.org/food-bank or by mail to St. Joseph Catholic Church-Hessen Cassel, 11337 Old US Hwy27 South, Fort Wayne, IN 46816. To share a remembrance of Mike or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Mike Franklin, please click here to visit our sympathy store. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Mike Franklin, please click here to visit our sympathy store.