Benjamin J."Ben" Franklin

Benjamin J. "Ben" Franklin, age 78, of Toledo, passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 8, 2008 in Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 18, 1930 to Shelby and Dorothy Franklin in Muncie, Indiana. Ben was a graduate of Hagerstown High School, in Hagerstown, Indiana. After proudly serving his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he moved to Toledo and soon thereafter met and married the love of his life, Patricia Smith. Ben retired from Surface Combustion after 33 years. He was not one to sit idle and began working at Lehn & Fink and then retired from there in 1994. He spent the last ten years working part-time for his son, Randy at his business, The Camper's Choice in Swanton and enjoying his grandchildren and traveling. Ben and Pat spent every winter in Palmetto, Florida. He also loved his many cars, especially his 1955 Olds 88, 1957 Chrysler 300 and 1989 Corvette; they were always a part of his life. Ben will be deeply missed by all of those who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rosemary Ronk. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Patricia Franklin; son, Randy Franklin and daughter-in-law, Kim Franklin; daughter, Sandy Rockwell and son-in-law, Eric Rockwell; daughter, Tammy Hassen-Druckenmiller; and son, Steve Franklin and daughter-in-law, Heather Franklin; grandchildren, Nathan and Chris Franklin, Wayne and Alexandra Rockwell, Benjamin, Samantha and Jessica Hassen, Kati Druckenmiller and Emmalene "Pretty Girl" Franklin; brothers, Billy, of West Virginia, Phillip, of Texas and Shelby Jr., of Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive guests on Friday from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo, (419-473-0300). Memorial Services will begin Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Pastor Merlin Jacobs.
Those wishing to make monetary donations are asked to consider the family or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.NewcomerFamily.com.
"He loved his family, his cars and sunshine!"