Dennis “Denny” E. Franklin, age 67, of Farmington, MO, passed away peacefully
on the 10th of June, 2024. Denny was born February 10th, 1957, the son of Homer and
Shirley (née Rosener) Franklin, and their family was raised in Flat River, MO. Denny
was a proud Central Rebel, graduating from Park Hills Central High School in 1975, and
he went on to earn his associate’s degree from Mineral Area College. A lovely young
Carma (née Coffman) taught as a substitute for one of his courses at MAC, and after he mustered up the courage to ask her out, they were married on August 2nd, 1986, in
Minnith, MO. Denny was an active member of New Heights Church, going on mission
trips to build homes in Juarez and Baja California, Mexico, and helping with men’s
ministry events. A man of many hobbies, Denny loved to be outside hunting and fishing
with friends and family. Denny was also a skilled woodworker and built dozens of
cradles, rocking horses, bookshelves, and more for friends and family. He was also a
certified SCUBA diver, previously assisting with Mineral Area Underwater Search and
Rescue and diving in the Caribbean before passing on his love of snorkeling to his
family.
He encouraged his kids to participate in sports and Denny coached many of
them. His family estimates that he coached at least 32 soccer, basketball, and baseball
teams over the last 30 years, and he always preached two main rules: 1) Do your best,
and 2) Have fun! (A 3rd rule was later added for Derek: “Don’t foul!”) Denny worked as a
machinist at Flat River Glass Company for 42 years before retiring to woodworking and
spending time with his grandkids. Remaining to cherish Denny’s memory are his wife,
Carma Franklin; children, Haley (Aaron) Harrington and Derek (Taylor) Franklin; his
three grandkids to whom he was a wonderful Grandpa, Nora Franklin, Finn Franklin,
and Harper Harrington; beloved brothers, Tommy (Robbin) Franklin and Joe (Cherilyn)
Franklin; and sweet sisters Carrie (Shawn) Bennett and Sherrie (Rick) Blair. He was
preceded in death by his beloved parents and sister, Mary (Fred) Manning.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 4 - 8 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel in Farmington, MO. A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 13,
2024, at 10 a.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel in Farmington, MO, with Rocky Good
officiating. Interment to follow at Minnith Cemetery (Saline Baptist Church Cemetery).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to New Heights Church or Saline Baptist
Church. View the video tribute and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.
