Bob was born in Akron, OH in 1933, but grew up on a dude ranch in Durango, CO. After graduating from high school, Bob served in the Air Force as a language specialist stationed in Germany during the Korean War. This experience ignited a lifetime of public service and love of VW’s. Bob went on to serve as an Oregon Air Reservist for a total of 28 years of military service. Bob received a degree in forestry from Colorado State University, but worked as a social worker and in the Oregon Department of Transportation before retiring in 1995. Following the love of his life, Kathryn, to Salem, the two were married May 6, 1967 and raised their son Andrew in Salem. Bob devoted his years in retirement to serving others, whether that was at the church where Bob and Kay were active members, Salem First Presbyterian Church, the Lion’s Club, or their local community. Bob was also an avid train enthusiast and rode many of the narrow-gauge steam trains across the US.
Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kay Franklin, his son Andrew Franklin, his brother, R.G. Ben Franklin, and his nephew, Richard (Dana) Franklin.
A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held Saturday, November 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Salem First Presbyterian Church in Salem. Funeral arrangements are provided by Howard Edwards Doerksen of Salem.
