Thomas Owen Franklin, 58, of Crawfordsville, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.
Tom was born June 23, 1968, in Crawfordsville, to the late Rex Manion and Delores Lorraine (Welliver) Manion. He was a graduate of Crawfordsville High School and worked as a heavy equipment operator. Tom was also a true jack of all trades and could usually figure out how to fix, build, or get just about anything done.
Tom is survived by his wife of five years, Andrea Hicks Franklin, whom he married on Jan. 23, 2021, in Clinton; two sons, Thomas Franklin and David Franklin, both of Ladoga; four stepchildren, Dakota Uplinger of Watseka, Illinois, Trent Uplinger of Havelock, North Carolina, Manuel Gutierrez of Pensacola, Florida, and Serna Gutierrez of Crawfordsville; two brothers, James (Peggy) Manion of Crawfordsville and Allen Franklin; sister Gloria Jarrad of Crawfordsville; and eight grandchildren, Betty Franklin, Tommie Franklin, Storm Franklin, Steele Franklin, Gus Uplinger, Waylon Uplinger, Sam Uplinger and Topanga Gutierrez.
He was preceded in death by brother Rex Franklin and sisters, Wanda Horgan, Judy Rogers, Rexanna Rose Manion and Karen Manion.
Tom enjoyed many things in life. He loved fishing, hunting deer, collecting arrowheads, playing poker, gambling, traveling, and going to the beach. He also enjoyed guns and spending time outside. Tom had a way of enjoying the things he loved and making memories along the way.
Most of all, Tom loved his family and friends. He was always willing to help and was known for being just a phone call away whenever someone needed him. If a friend or family member needed something, Tom was there. That was simply the kind of person he was.
Tom will be missed by his family and friends and remembered for his hard work, his willingness to help others, and most importantly, the love he had for the people in his life.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Gooch Funeral Home, 112 W. Howard St., Rockville, with Pastor Steve Blaydes Jr. officiating. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.
