Gary Franklin, 71, of Ellettsville passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born in Bloomington, Indiana on May 24th,1951, the eldest son of Garold and Virgina (Smith) Franklin. Graduated from Spencer High School 1969.  Gary worked for Meadow wood Retirement home for 21 years where he made lifelong friends.He also cooked for the village inn for several years.  Gary loved to cook and enjoyed sharing his love of food with everyone. Whether it be a recipe he had recently made or something he had thought of and tried it. One of his greatest achievements was Owning his own restaurant "Remember When" for 8 years in Nashville, Indiana. Gary had a spark life and always being on the go. He never met a stranger. If you knew Gary, you would know one of his pride and joys would be is 1988 Chevy S10 Show Truck. He was a proud member of the Classic Cruisin Car Club for many years. He loved showing his truck, seeing his friends, and meeting new  people. He enjoyed helping rebuild cars with Hoosier Classic cars. Gary was truly one of Kind. He always knew exactly what to say to make you laugh and to brighten your day. Always willing to lend a hand to help whoever and whenever he could.

He was hands down the BEST grandpa ever. When it came to his grandbabies there wasn't a thing in this world Gary wouldn't do for them. He attended all their events, band concerts, baseball, basketball, and football games. He loved taking them shopping, on road trips, and to the car shows.

Gary is survived by his children Christina Franklin of Ellettsville, Scott Franklin of Ellettsville, and Shane (Kayla) Franklin of Bloomington, Grandchildren Sierra Franklin, Clayton Franklin, Jax Franklin, Zayden Franklin and Bonus Grandchildren Jacob Grubb, Destiny Arthur, Angela Coranado, Brother Gordon (Paula Mobley) Franklin and Uncle Loris Smith, Mother-in- law Olive Sims, and several cousins.

Gary is preceded in death by his Parents Garold and Virgina Franklin, his wife of 51 years, Remona Franklin, and sister-in-law Linda Franklin.

Visitation will be at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville on Friday, January 20, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Funeral Services will be at the funeral home on Saturday at 11:00 am with Pastor Kevin Davis officiating. Burial is to follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens.

Gary's Family are having a Celebration of life with a dinner following the burial at the Monroe County Fairgrounds and would like for all of Gary's Family and Friends to come