Don Franklin

Charles Donald “Don” Franklin, 86, of Russell, passed away Monday, April 26, 2021 at the Hospice Care Center in Ashland. Don was born May 1, 1934 in Ashland, a son of the late John and Hettie Brown Franklin. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother Bill Franklin and his sisters Cora Lou Greenlee and Sue Stephens.
Don was best known for being “Felix the clown”. He loved entertaining children. He performed at schools, nursing homes, Poage Landing Days and Summer Motion.
Don was a member of Advance Memorial United Methodist Church in Flatwoods and also active with the Methodist Men. Don loved to jog and exercise at the Vitality Center. Don was a mason of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Poage Lodge #325 F&AM in Ashland, and an active member of the El Hasa Shrine clown unit.
Don retired in Maintenance with Armco Steel Company after 38 years of service. He served his country honorably with the United States Marine Corps.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Mary Katherine “Katie” Franklin of Russell, his daughter Rebecca Akers of Jackson, OH, his sons Charles Franklin of Ashland, Kevin Franklin and wife Tina of Mt. Vernon, IN, grandchildren Tyler Akers, Alex Akers, Shayna Franklin, Shaun Franklin and Phillip Franklin, his great grandson Tien Charles Franklin and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 1:00pm Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at the Steen Funeral Home 13th St. Chapel by Pastor Don Young, and a masonic service beginning at 12:45pm by Poage Lodge #325.
Burial will be in the Ashland Cemetery.
Visitation will be prior to services from 11:00am till service time at 1:00.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s memory to the Building Fund at Advance Memorial United Methodist Church, 1007 Bellefonte Road, Flatwoods, KY 41139 or to El Hasa Shriners Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 5190, Ashland, KY 41105.
To share a memory of Don or to express a condolence to his family, please visit www.steenfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.