Cloudy, 40° F
(Nov. 16, 1921-March 13, 2012)
Darwin Franklin died March 13, 2012 at Powell Valley Healthcare. He was 90 years old.
Darwin was born Nov. 16, 1921 on the family farm east of Garland to Blanche (Atchison) and Byrul Franklin. He was the fifth child in a family of five sons and one daughter.
He especially enjoyed participating in football and FFA in high school. He served as state treasurer of FFA and was on the state champion football team in 1940. Darwin graduated from high school in 1941 and was married to Naida Buchan, his high school girlfriend, later that year. They were married 70 years. When they got married, Darwin had a tractor, team of horses, new car, and a rented farm.
Throughout his life, horses were his passion, especially JoJohn and Wind Hook, his favorite stallions. Darwin bred and raised quarter horses for more than 30 years. Darwin and Naida lived on the family farm for 59 years. He enjoyed dancing, cards, and traveling. He and Naida traveled thousands of miles in their camper. Darwin was a member of the Park County Fair Board for 10 years and served as president for a number of those years.
Darwin is survived by his wife, Naida Franklin; children, Michal (Dennis) Tyree, Clif (Jan) Franklin, and Becki (Jim) Rodriguez; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and numerous treasured step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Russell, Arola, Howard, Paul, and Billy; one grandson and one great-granddaughter.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 16, at Union Presbyterian Church in Powell.
The family has requested that condolences be sent to them online at www.thompsonfuneral.net or to P.O. Box 807 Powell, WY 82435.
Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
