Ralph Edward Franklin

Ralph Edward Franklin, 87, of New Castle, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Addison Place Assisted Living. He was born on June 18, 1937, in Portland, Indiana, to Frederick Christian and Lula Esther (Grile) Franklin.

Ralph began his lifelong career in the grocery industry at the age of 16 with Marsh Foods and retired from Marsh after 47 dedicated years of service. He also proudly served in the Air National Guard.

Ralph’s love for his family, his faith, and his wife was unconditional. On February 16, 1956, Ralph married the love of his life, Arlene Craig; they shared a wonderful marriage of 68 years prior to her passing in June of 2024. A devoted and longtime member of Memorial Wesleyan Church, he served as a trustee for many years, led men’s Bible studies, and held devotionals at local nursing homes for many years.

Ralph had many hobbies and talents, including woodworking, fishing, hunting, and playing the harmonica. He enjoyed creating beautiful handmade items such as clocks, corner cabinets, and baby cribs just to name a few. He loved cars, especially Cadillacs and Buicks and up until recently even wanted a Jaguar. Ralph also enjoyed raising horses, camping, traveling and mission trips to Canada which also included some hunting excursions.

Ralph is survived by his children, Traci Franklin, daughter-in-law Wendie Franklin, Linda (Brian) Parker, Joe (Diana) Franklin, Susan (Mark) Thompson, Diane (Jeff) Craig, Janet (Taber) Adams, Jesse Franklin, Travis Taylor (Brittany), Michelle Franklin (Jake), Bill Kidd (Tasha), and Makayla Franklin; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Arlene Franklin, his son, Reed Eric Franklin, and five siblings.

Services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, January 11, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Mark Wooten officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Memory Garden. Visitation will be from 11:00am until the time of service on Saturday. Memorial contributions in Ralph’s memory may be given to the Memorial Wesleyan Church, 115 Fairway Dr. New Castle, IN 47362. You may express condolences or share memories of Ralph at www.hinsey-brown.com.