Arthur Thomas Franklin

Arthur Thomas “Tom” Franklin, 73, of Palestine, died at 1:35 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2014 at his home. He was born August 2, 1941, the son of Emery & Ora Franklin. A member of Ironworkers Local #63, he was an ironworker for many years. He was a gifted mechanic who had a passion for classic cars and NASCAR racing. For 15 years, Tom was the Secretary of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Palestine. He was also a member of the Grand Aerie, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, the Lawrenceville VFW Post #2244, the Palestine AmVets Post #33 and the Outer West Market Church of Christ in Palestine. He married his wife Sue on December 4, 1989 and she survives. He is also survived by his children & their spouses, Tammy & Chuck Reagan, Tom, Jr. & Christie Franklin, Frank Franklin, and Cora Elmore; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Frank Franklin, Ike Franklin, Joe Franklin; his sisters, Esther Coombee, Cora Weger; as well as several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; and 3 sisters. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A graveside service will follow at the Hutsonville Cemetery after the visitation on Friday.