Benjamin Theodore Franklin

Benjamin Theodore Franklin, 48 of Punxsutawney passed away at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh following a brief illness on Tuesday, August 8, 2017.   Ben was born on January 7, 1969 in Monroe, MI to the late Carl Edward and Marion Dian (Weakland) Franklin, Jr.  His mother,  Marion Dian and step-father, Richard Duane Morgan survive and reside in Glen  Campbell.  Ben married his best friend and soul mate, Melissa on October 14, 2000.  Melissa survives and resides in Punxsutawney. 

Ben was a U.S. military veteran and served in the National Guard.  He was a correctional officer for over 26 years, and although a rigorous and demanding occupation, Ben enjoyed his work.   As a family man, he was very proud of his wife and his children watching over them with vigilance and encouraging them to take pride and do their very best at everything, no matter how menial or how large the undertaking.  He enjoyed watching his children excel in their interests from softball to cheerleading, volleyball, cross-country, band, and a myriad of other activities; all of which, he supported them with enthusiasm and love.  Ben also enjoyed sharing the sport of hunting with his daughters while teaching them the way of the woods.  Although his busy lifestyle didn't lend to watching much TV or taking time off, he did like to watch documentaries and history programs on the Discovery Channel and travel to far-off locations and go on cruises.  His adventures, which he masterminded and planned to a "T", took him and his family to exciting places such as Ireland.  Every trip was well-planned and more than just a vacation.  They were adventures and history lessons as well.   Ben was Catholic by faith and a member of the Summit Masonic Lodge #312 in Ebensburg, PA.  Above all, he cherished his family and his friends.  Ben was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son.   His kindness, generosity, and warm smile will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. 

Ben is survived by his wife and best friend, Melissa; his mother Dian and step-father Richard Duane Morgan; his four daughters; Briana Neff and husband Grant of Westover, Ashley Franklin who is serving in the USAF and assigned to Spangdalhem Air Base, GE, and Gabriel and Riley Franklin who live at home.  Ben is also survived by his two brothers, Carl Edward Franklin III and wife Crystal of Lancaster and Joseph Douglas Franklin and wife Susan of Mount Joy, PA.  His granddaughter, and the sparkle of his eye, is Isabella Neff.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Carl Edward Franklin, Jr.

Friends will be received at the Shumaker Funeral Home Inc of Punxsutawney from 2 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017.  A funeral service will be held immediately afterwards at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ben's memory may be made to the Lisa's Lady Bugs, 499 Big Run Road, PO Box 692, Punxsutawney, PA 15767

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