Melbourne Wayne Franklin passed away peacefully on September 15 at his home in Escalon, CA at the age of 85. Wayne was born on August 15, 1931 to Eugene and Beatrice Franklin in Cedarville, CA. The family moved to Scotia, and at the age of 17, Wayne left for San Francisco and completed Engineering College with bachelor’s degrees in mechanical and civil engineering. This is also where he met his first wife, Marilyn, and they were married in 1952. He enlisted in the Navy where he served for two years during the Korean War. Wayne and Marilyn moved to Santa Clara in 1957, and he was hired by Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale. After 32 years there, he retired as Vice President of the LMSSC Fleet Ballistic Missiles Program. Ever the outdoorsman, Wayne loved carving, camping, hunting, abalone diving and fishing with his family; one of his family’s favorite spots was Lake Berryessa where they water-skied and spent many summers. Being a proud Eagle Scout, he led and encouraged his four sons to accomplish the same with the Boy Scouts of America organization. Retirement led Wayne to Pollock Pines, where he and Marilyn enjoyed hosting their family and friends, spending their summers water skiing and fishing on Jenkinson Lake and sledding with his grandchildren on their property during the winter.
Family was always important to Wayne, with one of his favorite times being each Christmas Eve when they all gather for a traditional lefse dinner. After Marilyn’s passing, Wayne moved to Escalon to be closer to his family, eventually marrying his surviving wife, Jo Ellen. They enjoyed spending time in Pioneer, Jo Ellen’s home, and traveling to see family and friends. Wayne leaves behind his wife of 12 years, Jo Ellen Franklin, his children: Kane Franklin (Elizabeth), Kurt Franklin (Susie), Erica Perryman (Jay), Doug Franklin, Dan Franklin (Terri), and his grandchildren: Brendon, Taylor, Adriane, Jason, Stephanie, Beau, Leslie, Kelly, Kiel, Clint, Jessica, Amanda, and Angela, along with 15 great-grandchildren. Wayne also leaves behind his brothers: Marvin Franklin (Ida) and Gary Franklin (Helen). Wayne is preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years and mother of his children, Marilyn Franklin, his sister, Marlene Winemiller (Bud) and his brother, Rick Franklin (Pat).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Funeral Chapel. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 25660 Deck Road in Escalon. Donations in Wayne’s name may be made to Community Hospice: 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Sept. 21, 2016