Herbert Franklin

Herbert Franklin, 85, of Union, Kentucky passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2020.

He was born May 1, 1935, in May’s Lick, Kentucky.  One of thirteen children born to a sharecropper father and domestic mother, Herbert grew up on a farm in Mason County, Kentucky. He was educated in the segregated schools of Kentucky and graduated from John G. Fee High School in 1955. His post-secondary study led to a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education from Kentucky State College (now Kentucky State University). A lifelong learner, Herbert continued his education by earning his master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Louisville and his doctoral degree in Educational Administration with minors in Secondary Education, Psychology, and Sociology from Indiana University.

Throughout his professional career, Dr. Franklin eagerly served both youth and adults. He had been a 6th Grade Teacher, Elementary School Counselor, Team Leader of Teacher Corps, Elementary School Assistant Principal, Junior High Assistant Principal, Director of a Teacher Center in Frankfort, Kentucky and has been a Legislative Analyst in the Kentucky State Legislative Office. His expertise was utilized as Principal of a Middle School in Indiana, Assistant Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Florida, and as Superintendent of Jefferson Township Local Schools in Ohio. For 17 years he worked against great odds to bring quality educational experiences to the boys and girls of the Jefferson Township school district. In recent years he cemented his lasting legacy by establishing the Dr. Herbert and Dorothy A Franklin Endowed Scholarship Fund at Kentucky State University to support students pursuing degrees in education, nursing and engineering.

Dr. Franklin’s contributions to education were not confined to the classroom. He held memberships in many professional and civic organizations throughout his career.  He also served as a Deacon, Trustee, Director of Education, and beloved member of First Baptist Church of Elsmere, Kentucky. He began teaching Sunday School as a teenager and did so throughout his life until illness prevented it. He also conducted Baptist Training Union classes, taught Adult Education Classes, and served in the United States Army Reserves as a Senior Instructor of Leadership Development. Master Sgt. Franklin retired from the Armed Services after a tour of 26 years.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Margaret (Tabor) Franklin, his beloved wife of 53 years, Dorothy Ann (Bowman) Franklin; 6 brothers, William, Bob, Clarence, Richard, Raymond and John Franklin; 3 sisters, Lena Mae Franklin, Lydia Wilson and Mary Clemens. He is survived by his children: Marcus (Dianna) and Lori; his brother, Russell,  twin brother, Herman(LaRaeu), and sister, Katherine “Kay” (Pat) Fox; treasured grandchildren, Austin, Aaron, and Ashley Franklin & Micaela, Kendall, and Kiana Stroud; great-grandson Calvin Franklin; beloved sister-in-law, Barbara (Kenneth) Unseld; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dr. Herbert Franklin will be laid to rest in a private ceremony on July 29, 2020 at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, OH. Arrangements are entrusted to the House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc. In lieu of funeral service, and to honor Herbert's character, we ask that all who wish to participate make a donation to the Dr. Herbert and Dorothy A Franklin Endowed Scholarship Fund, c/o Kentucky State University, Office of Financial Aid, 400 East Main St., Frankfort, Ky 40601.

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