John Nelson “J.N.” Franklin, 91, Iola, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at Vintage Park in Eureka.
J.N. was born April 12, 1924, in Humboldt, the son of John R. and Hazel Marie (Green) Franklin. He grew up in Humboldt. On May 7, 1950, he married Virginia M. Hunt and they made their home and farmed the family farm east of Humboldt. He and Ben Ellis operated the Red Fish Boat Factory in Iola which later became Iola Molded Plastics (IMP Boats). He designed the boats and was the plant manager until he sold the plant in 1969. His wife, Virginia, preceded him in death Aug. 23, 1969.
On Sept. 4, 1970, John married Beth A. (Braucher) Yount in Humboldt. They moved to Florida where he was a partner with Ben, John and Bob Ellis operating a marina in Miami. A few years later he returned to Iola and partnered with Marvin Boyer in Iola Ready Mix, Inc. John sold that business in 1989 and retired. His wife Beth preceded him in death July 11, 2014.
Besides designing boats, John invented motor home towing and braking system designs and designed jewelry. He was an avid golfer with a registered hole-in-one. His memberships include the Allen County Country Club and Iola Elks. He grew up attending Humboldt United Methodist Church.
Survivors include three sons, Robert I. Franklin, Iola, John O. Franklin, Jupiter, Fla., and Thomas J. Franklin, Benton, and their spouses; two stepdaughters, Ann Mayo, Elmdale, and Jane Barnett, Iola, and their spouses; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and both of his wives.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with burial to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Humboldt.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left with the funeral home. To leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
John Franklin
