Howard W. Franklin

Howard Franklin was born on June 30, 1935 in McDonough, New York to Howard and Rosa Franklin. He passed away peacefully at his home on October 8, 2024, at the age of 89. He is survived by his two daughters, Donita and Karen; his grandchildren, Adam, Tabitha, Nathan, Julie, and Justin; and his great-grandchildren, Deziray, Remington, Kairi, Jackie, Jackson, Thomas, Morgan, and Taylor.

A proud veteran, Howard served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army, fighting bravely during the Korean War, where he made two combat jumps and received an injury from a bayonet during his deployment. After his military service, he returned to a life of hard work, hardly knowing a day of rest between farming and running Little Pack Custom Meat Processing, a meat packing plant that he operated with his late wife, Lois. In addition to his business, Howard spent many years working for Overhead Door and later for Walmart Distribution, installing garage doors and doing maintenance.

Howard was a man of many talents, passing down his wealth of knowledge to his children and grandchildren, teaching them how to fix things and approach life with resourcefulness and grit. He was also an outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed playing his guitar, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

He now joins his beloved wife, Lois Franklin, in Heaven, whom he has dearly missed since her passing ten years ago. Howard is also preceded in death by his five older brothers, two younger brothers, and one older sister.

His legacy of hard work, love for family, and joy in the small things will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens in Fort Collins. Those who wish to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes may do so at the Visitation on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Howard's Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 11:00am followed by his Graveside Service at 12:00pm.

Memories and condolences are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.