Donald “Perry” Franklin, age 69, of Bloomington, passed away Friday morning, March 28, 2025 at The Gathering Together hospice facility in Plainfield, Indiana. Born April 30, 1955 in Bloomington, he was the son of Charlie and Bobbie Franklin. Perry was a master carpenter and founder of Franklin Wood Floors where he specialized in laying gymnasium floors and creating artistic wood inlays in residential hardwood floors. He did additional work with the Carpenters Union, and most recently, worked for the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance helping people gain funding to rebuild their homes and lives after natural disasters. Perry also loved the great outdoors and enjoyed camping in his teardrop camper and riding around nature on his E-bike. A lover of the cosmos and an adventurer at heart, he was always wishing others "happy trails", as they embarked on journeys big and small.
Staying connected to God was important to Perry, so he formerly attended South Side Christian Church and stayed actively involved with the Bloomington Community Bible Study making many friends with fellow followers of Christ.
Perry is survived by his mother Bobbie Franklin, of Bloomington, his former wife and mother of his children, Shellie Franklin, his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Dustin Lewis, of Brownsburg, Indiana, his son, Jacob Franklin, of Bloomington; two sisters, Sherry Franklin, of Bloomington and Terry (husband-Shawn) McNamara, of Cary, North Carolina, one grandson, Gabriel Ali, niece, Kallie De La Cruz and nephews, Franklin McNamara, Chad Richardson, and Nick Trowbridge.
Perry was preceded in death by his beloved father.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 4 at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home in Bloomington with Pastor (and very good friend) Jeff Grossnickle officiating. Entombment will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Friends may visit the family on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home and attend the celebration of life.
Memorial Contributions may be given to The Gathering Together hospice facility at https://thegatheringtogether.org/donate/ or by mailing to: 147 N Center St, Plainfield, IN 46168
