Ralph L. Franklin

A Home Going Service, celebrating the life of Ralph L. Franklin, 80, of Newark, will be held on Monday, February 19, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity AME Church, 64 E. Church Street, Newark, with Pastor Bruce Wynn officiating. Burial will follow at Welsh Hills Cemetery. Ralph was born in Newark, Ohio on September 19, 1937 to the late Hiawatha and Frances (Peterson) Franklin. He went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2018 at his residence while surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was a dedicated member of Trinity AME Church in Newark, where he served on the Board of Trustees and was an Elder. He was the owner and operator of the Elbow Lounge in Newark. He worked at Owens-Corning Fiberglas for 14 years; was an insurance agent with Nationwide Insurance; and was a real estate agent with Frank Frye, Century 21 Real Estate. Ralph was active with the Newark Athletic Boosters and was on the selection committee for the Newark High School Hall of Fame. He was a member of the NAACP, former member of Newark Elks Lodge #821 and Newark Eagles Lodge. Ralph coached little league baseball and was the chair person for the 10th Street Reunion. He enjoyed golfing, playing pool and was very involved with his childrens sporting events. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, and will be missed by everyone that knew him. Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Loretta (Chandler) Franklin, whom he married June 27, 1964; sons, Michael (Shala) Chandler, Ralph Louie Franklin Jr., and Bryan (Nena) Franklin; grandchildren, Cameron, Anthony, Larissa, Melena, Jordan, Reed, Devin, Allen, Brandon and Darius; brothers, Richard Franklin and Benjamin Franklin; sisters, Elizabeth Smith and Frances Franklin; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Lester Franklin; and sisters, Joann Jackson and Beatrice Franklin. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville Street, Newark.Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Ralph to Foundation For Hospice of Central Ohio, PO Box 430, Newark, Ohio 43058-0430. The family would like to thank the 5th floor Oncology Department at Licking Memorial Hospital for the excellent care that was provided to Ralph.Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Ralph and the Franklin family.