Thomas Eric Franklin Jr.

Thomas Eric Franklin Jr., 53, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born March 18, 1968 in Fairfax, Virginia, he was the son of Thomas Franklin Sr. and Willa Mae "Petey" (Ditton) Atkinson.

He graduated from high school in the Charlestown, Ohio area. Tom served in the U.S. Army Reserves for over 10 years and worked for Fort Wayne Foundry, Los Tequilas in Columbia City and the Walnut Street Apartments in Columbia City. Tom adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and working on vehicles. Tom will be remembered for his joking personality who was loving, had a kind heart and willing to lend a hand.

Tom is survived by his son, Trevor (Ivy) Franklin;  twin children, Kaylie Stier and John (Madison Abbott) Franklin; daughter, Amber Franklin; son, Ty Foster; grandchildren, William, Addiesons, Jameson, and Remi; father, Thomas Franklin, Sr.;  former wife, Sheila Franklin; Amber's mother, Christine Crouch; sister, Kelly Franklin; and brothers, Shane Franklin, Mike Franklin and Tim Atkinson. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Visitation will be 1 to 2:45 pm Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will begin at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations toward his final expenses, in care of DeMoney-Grimes. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Tom's family online condolences, sign the online guest book or make a memorial donation.