The Reverend Kenneth Roderick Franklin, of Warwick, Rhode Island died on March 20, 2014 at Phillip Hulitar Hospice Center. He was 81.
Father Franklin was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1932, the only son of Rachel and Ellis Franklin. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Birmingham Southern College. After service in the army, he earned two graduate degrees in theology from The General Theological Seminary in New York. Father Franklin was ordained a deacon in 1959 and a priest the following year. He served Episcopal parishes in Alabama and Connecticut before being called as Rector to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Warwick. He served faithfully for 33 years, retiring in 2001 at which time he was named Rector Emeritus.
Father Franklin was predeceased by his wife, Diane Lyn Franklin, whom he married in 1981, and his son Kenneth Reeder Franklin. He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Franklin Keeler of Great Falls, Virginia, her husband, Michael; and their three children Jack, Jamie, and Elizabeth Lee. He is also survived by his wife’s brother Gordon Young of Springfield, Massachusetts, his wife, Elizabeth; and their two daughters Heidi and Karen.
Calling hours will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 3257 Post Road, Warwick, on Friday, March 28 from 6-8 p.m. A celebration of Father Franklin’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29 at St. Barnabas at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at the Church. A private committal will be held in Swansea, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Arrangements by The Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home. www.murphyfuneralhomes.org
