Steven Edward Franklin 66, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 13, 1952, the son of Stanley Franklin and E. Lucile (Creamer) Franklin.

Steve is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Knapp) Franklin; children Sarah Franklin of Plainfield, VT, William Bradford of San Diego, CA and Lauren Bradford (Erik Bish) of Battle Creek, MI. He was a doting “Bop” to his grandchildren Lev, Vladimir and Aedan. He is also survived by his special friend, Tom Morse. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph.

Steve graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1970. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1970-1973. Steve attended Kellogg Community College and earned an Associate Degree in General Studies. He then attended Western Michigan University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a minor in Religious Studies. Steve went on to pursue a Master of Arts Degree in Blind Rehabilitation from Western Michigan University.

Steve was a journeyman electrician from 1983 until his retirement in 2010. He was member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 445. During his time with Local 445, Steve also served as President and Business Manager.

While in the Marine Corps, Steve began his lifelong passion with running. He also enjoyed patiently walking up and down fields in search of arrowheads, of which he found a great number. An avid fly-fisherman, Steve adhered to a strict three-fish limit! Always up for an adventure, he also tried his hand at rugby, softball, soccer, hiking, cooking, and volunteering at local horse farms.

Not one to sit still, Steve was active in his community. Steve was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. He held the position of City Commissioner for Battle Creek Ward 3 from 2003 to 2007. Later, he became involved with the South Central Michigan AFL-CIO. He was also a member of the Marine Corps League Kalamazoo Detachment, where he held the offices of Adjutant Paymaster and Junior Vice Commandant. Steve volunteered with breakfast program at the Palliative Care Unit at the Veterans Hospital, Flag sales, Toys for Tots and flag planting/placement for Memorial Day. Additionally, Steve loved to host an annual summer ice cream social for all of his neighbors.

Steve will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He had a positive outlook on life and could often be heard singing or whistling and striking up a conversation with just about anyone. Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he never complained about his illness or questioned God.

Visitation will be held at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road on Thursday, July 19, 2018, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 16 E. Van Buren St., on Friday, July 20, 2018, at 10:00 am with the Rev. Brian Coleman officiating.

Internment will take place at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan at noon on July 20, 2018. Reception to follow at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Breakfast Program or the Marine Corps League Kalamazoo Detachment #879, 1920 E. Kilgore Service Road, Kalamazoo, MI.

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