A. Dale Franklin

A. Dale Franklin, 72, of Bloomsburg, died Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Born in Waterton on November 19, 1938, he was a son of the late Paul T. Franklin and Elva Margaret (Wilkinson) Franklin. He was the husband of Esther K. (McMichael) Franklin, whom he married June 18, 1960. Last year they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Dale was a 1956 graduate of Bloomsburg High School. He had also attended classes at Bloomsburg State Teachers College from 1956 - 1959. He served stateside in the U.S. Army from 1962 – 1964, operating heavy equipment. He received an honorable discharge with the rank of SPC4. In between his years with the Army, Dale worked for the Town of Bloomsburg’s Maintenance Department. He worked from 1956 – 1962 and again from 1964 – 1970. In 1970, Dale began a 30 year career with the Bell Telephone Company of PA, later known as Verizon. He retired in 2000. Following his retirement, he worked as needed, for the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc. Benton. Dale was a Christian man who loved to serve God and help everyone. He was an active member of the First English Baptist Church, Bloomsburg. He had served as a Trustee, Deacon, Treasurer, was a member of the Church Choir and the Baptist Movers. He was a Lifetime Member of the Bloomsburg Fire Department and an original member of the Liberty Fire Company. He was also active in his community delivering Meals on Wheels and most recently was a member of the Geisinger Chapter of the American Parkinson Association. Dale was a faithful blood donor, who donated nearly 10 gallons of blood in his lifetime to the American Red Cross. In addition to his church and community involvement, Dale belonged to the following organizations: Bloomsburg American Legion, Post # 273; Blue Lodge-Washington Lodge # 265 F&AM; Caldwell Consistory-Valley of Bloomsburg; and the N.R.A. Besides his love of baseball, Dale was an avid hunter who loved the outdoors. He was a 50 year member of the Bee Cellar Hunting Cabin in Stillwater. He was a devoted family man who especially loved his grandchildren. Along with his wife Esther, he is survived by: son, Arthur D. Franklin, Jr. & wife, Kristin, Bloomsburg; daughter, Sandra K. Yule & husband, David, Bloomsburg; grandson, Corey Yule & wife Christina, Bloomsburg; granddaughter, Katie Yule, Pittsburgh; brother, A. Paul Franklin & wife, Joan, Benton. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Dale’s Funeral Service will begin at 12 Noon Wednesday, March 9th at the First English Baptist Church, 700 Millville Rd., Bloomsburg. Rev. Dr. Lee Barnhardt, his pastor, will officiate. The Visitation hours will be from 10 AM Wednesday morning until the time of service at the church. Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Stillwater Cemetery. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton is assisting with the service arrangements

A. Dale Franklin

November 19, 1938 - March 5, 2011