- Date Of Birth: April 30, 1941
- Date Of Death: December 12, 2020
- State: Indiana
Thomas R Franklin 79 of Bloomington, died December 12, 2020 after struggling with dementia and a short battle with COVID.
Born April 30, 1941, in Spencer Indiana, to Thomas W and Jessie (Gibson) Franklin; Tom was so small at birth, an incubator had to be rushed from Indianapolis for him. At four weeks old, he only weighed three pounds and was fed with a medicine dropper. Tom would go on to have a healthy appetite for food and life. He loved his mom’s home cooking, especially her pies and cakes, and had a knack for making his own fresh salsa.
Tom had a career of over 50 years in the finance business, but his life revolved around spending time with his family and friends. He loved music and played drums in several country & western bands. He took his daughters to concerts including a John Mellencamp show at the old Market Square Arena and a Bay City Rollers Concert. He took his youngest daughter to her first concert which was Donny Osmond at the Indiana State Fair. He had a passion for classic car shows, and belonged to the Cruisin’ Classic Car Club of Bloomington. He loved NASCAR (his all-time favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt), and showing off his prized white El Camino. He spent many happy hours washing, waxing and shining his cars (and any others he could get his hands on.) If you knew Tom, you understand. He also had a special place in his heart for dogs and cats. His cat, Zoe, loved to cuddle with him.
Tom loved traveling with his wife, Joyce and their friends. They took many trips to the Smoky Mountains, Berea, and Bardstown KY, Nashville, TN, Cocoa Beach, FL, and never missed the Covered Bridge Festival in Rockville, IN.
Tom was one of the founding members of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church 50 years ago. He was on the building committee, served as a deacon, and loved serving communion with his many friends. He was active on the PTO when his daughters were in elementary school. He was a jokester and enjoyed dressing up for Halloween when his kids were young. He also relished his role as Santa for his friends’ grandchildren each year.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Vandeventer) Franklin, one son, Tom (Julie) Soares of Reno, NV, three daughters, Darlissa (Ed) Salazar of Titusville, FL, Debbie (JD) Scott of Bloomington, and Julie (Shawn) Force of Bloomington; his grandchildren Sarah (Collin) Hedges of Arlington, VA, Laura (Wes Stanger) Scott of Bedford, IN, Jonathan (Brandee) Scott of Bedford, IN, Thomas Franklin Finn of Bloomington, IN, Claire Finn of Chicago, IL, Siggy and Seth Force of Bloomington, IN, Tom Soares of Sacramento, CA and Desirea Soares of Reno, NV; his great grandchildren Jackson Hedges of Arlington, VA and Damian (Cambrea) Rainbow of Sparks, NV, and his great-great granddaughter Olivia Rainbow of Sparks, NV.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
