Walter Lee "Wally" Franklin

Celebrating a life well loved. Walter "Wally" Franklin, who was born on June 29, 1967, in Joliet, Illinois, sadly passed away at home, surrounded by family and friends, on November 8, 2024, after putting up a heroic fight against cancer.

Wally was the beloved son of Carroll and Donna Franklin and the loving husband of Patricia Franklin. Married since December 2011, they spent 26 years together, raising wonderful children: Amanda, Dalton (Tiffany Franklin), and Garrett (Emily Ketchum) Franklin, and Cody Wright.

Wally attended Du Quoin Schools and went on to work as a Master Craftsman, where he truly excelled. He retired in 2021, to focus on his battle with cancer. Wally's hobbies included collecting vintage cars and toys, antiquing, drawing and above all spending time with his family and friends.

Wally was known for his quick wit, infectious laugh, and love of life. He always had a joke ready to make others smile and was full of hilarious stories that kept his family and friends entertained for hours.

His grandchildren, Austin, Jeremiah, Terrance, Tianna, and Richard were the light of his life, they will always remember him for his playful antics and endless love.

Wally is survived by his loving wife- Patricia Franklin; children- Amanda Franklin, Dalton (Tiffany) Franklin, Garrett (Emily Ketchum) Franklin, and Cody Wright; grandchildren- Jeremiah, Terrance, Tianna, Richard, and Austin; sisters- Wendy Swalls, Julie (Travis Griffith) Franklin, Shatana (Travis) Williams, Elizabeth Reese; brothers- Sean (Melissa) Franklin, William Reese, and Curtis Allan; mother- Donna Franklin; father- Carroll (Charlotte) Franklin; aunt- Shelley Hilt; sister-in-law- Sylvia Carnett; mother-in-law- Elfriede Carnett; several nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of cherished friends and his beloved dog- Sissy.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents- Della (Breeze) Horton and Walter Horton and uncles- Danny, Ricky, Wally, and Bill Horton.

Wally will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched with his humor and kindness.
Rest in peace, Wally. May your jokes and laughter echo through eternity.

In accordance to Wally's wishes, there will be no public services at this time. Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin is honored to have been called to serve the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-542-2020 for more information.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter Lee "Wally" Franklin, please visit our floral store.