Dennis Franklin's Obituary
Dennis R. Franklin, 68, of Mt.Zion, IL., passed away August 17, 2020 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL.
Dennis was born September 14, 1951 in Hannibal, MO, the son of Margaret Franklin Kerby and Jean Matthew Franklin. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Following his military service, he worked for several railroad companies until he became a "consumer transport engineer of consumer products" (better known as an OTR truck driver). Dennis was extremely proud to be a member of the American Mountain Men Association. He was an avid outdoorsman and had a passion for trains. He never met a stranger and cracked jokes with anyone who would listen. Surviving are his son Cody M. Franklin, wife Amanda and their family of Decatur, IL; daughter Heather Amory and family of Decatur, IL; brother Darrell W. Franklin (Karen) of Shelbyville, IL; nephew JD Franklin (Alicia), nieces Jennifer Gile (Mike) and Angie Cox (DJ); sister Gloria J. Dowds of Peoria, IL, nephews Michael Dowds (Sherry), Danny Dowds (friend C.J.) and Randy Dowds (Ashley); and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his non-related family (as he called them) the Smith's and their families which included his "little buddy" Camden; longtime friends Gene, Len, Roy, Gary and Craig; and special friends Larry and Suzanne. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Gordon D. Kerby, grandparents Marley and Alice Franklin, Rush and Robert Collins, and step-grandparents Clyde and Mildred Kerby. The Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Dennis. Condolences may be left at www.gracelandfairlawn.com. Per Dennis' wishes, his remains will be scattered in the mountains of Colorado where he loved to spend time.
You will be finally home in the mountains
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