Obituary of Edward J. Franklin

Franklin, Edward J. passed away unexpectedly at his home in Allegan, MI. on June 21, 2019 Edward, often called Eddie, was born on May 11, 1960, in Kalamazoo, MI. and was the third child born to Edward and Estelle Franklin. Eddie's life started off as challenging being born with Hyaline Membrane Disease. Although fragile, he managed to overcome his health challenges and continued to move forward becoming a man of few words, with a big heart, gentle nature, and willingness to help others.

Eddie graduated from Parchment High School, later attending KVCC to study Fire science, Emergency Medical Technician, and Automotive mechanics. Shortly after high school, Eddie was a volunteer fireman with the Northwood fire department and several years later he volunteered with Texas Township and Pine Dale fire department. Eddie enjoyed helping people and was dedicated to each opportunity he had to make a difference. Eddie worked as a mechanic at several auto shops in the Kalamazoo and Portage area for several years. He later became the Reservation Ranger at Camp Rota-Kiwan, which he enjoyed. After working as a Reservation Ranger, he worked at Pride Care and Life EMS in several different roles to include an Emergency Medical Technician, Transport driver, and Mechanic servicing the emergency vehicles. Most recently, Eddie was employed at Haworth in Holland, MI.

One of Eddie's greatest joys in life was being a parent to his children, Jason Johnson and Valerie Hirsch. He took great pride in teaching them about life, how to maintain their cars, encouraging them to follow their interest or passion, and playing jokes and just being silly with them. He was also a mentor and positive influence on Robert Heath. The second greatest joy was spending time with his dogs, who were also like his children. Eddie also enjoyed being an Uncle and loved his nieces and nephews.

Eddie was also a foster parent to several children and participated with the Kids Connection Program as a mentor during the time he was a Reservation Ranger.  Eddie enjoyed fishing, garage sales, cooking, camping, fishing and boat shows, and being involved with those he loved.

Eddie is survived by his parents, Edward and Estelle Franklin of Kalamazoo, MI; sisters: Cathy Franklin of Kalamazoo, MI and Susan Schulenberg of Culleoka, TN.; children: Jason Johnson of Versailles, KY and Valerie Hirsch of St. Lows, MO; significant other, Marianne Heath of Allegan, MI and her son, Robert Heath; nieces, Jessica (Mike) Stewart, Christina (Chad Davis) Schulenberg and Zachary (Chrissy) Schulenberg all of Culleoka, TN., and Isaiah, Alonzo and Logan Franklin of Kalamazoo, MI.; great nieces, McKenzie and Brinley and great nephews, Lucius, Talon, Jaxon and Carter, all of Culleoka, TN.; and aunts, uncles and cousins throughout Michigan and Florida; and many, many friends. Eddie was preceded in death by his beloved lab, Sarge; maternal grandparents; paternal grandparents; an aunt, uncle and two cousins.

A public memorial will be held at Whitley Funeral home on Friday, June 28th from 5-7 pm and a Celebration of Life Service with Pastor Greg Bishop on July 3 at 11 am at Northeastern Baptist Church 6536 East G Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI. Refreshments will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorial contributions in Edward's memory be made to Gilmore Community Healing Center at 1910 Shaffer street Kalamazoo, MI. 49048 or Gryphon Place- Suicide Prevention Programming at 3245 8th Street Kalamazoo, Ml. 49009