Benjamin S. Franklin

**Benjamin S. Franklin**, 67, of Versailles passed away Thursday, March 15, 2012 at his home. He was born near Holton on July 20, 1944 the son of Floyd and Ida Barricklow Franklin. He was married to Henrietta Sloan on January 1, 1986 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Benjamin Scott (Sandra) Franklin of Kendallville and Michael (Alecia) Franklin of Columbus; two step-sons Ronald (Brandi) Bowling and Donald (Dina) Bowling both of Greensburg; one step-daughter Cassandra (Rob) Dick of Lawrenceburg; 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; three brothers Allen (Louella) Franklin, Gene (Shirley) Franklin, and Frank (Myrtie) Franklin all of Holton; three sisters Leota Conover of Holton, Rowena (Robert) Sanders of Murray, Kentucky, and Eva Mae (Charles) Wagoner of Lake Placid, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Franklin was a 1962 graduate of Holton High School and was employed with Cummins Engine Company in Columbus from 1963 to 1999 where he worked in shipping and handling. Ben was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church and the North Vernon Moose Lodge and was an avid golfer. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 19 at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home and from 10am until time of services Monday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.