Charles E. Franklin

Charles Edward Franklin was born on July 29, 1950, in Lacey, Arkansas. He was the youngest of seven (7) children from the union of the late John Henry Franklin, Jr. and late Dorothy Wayne-Bradford.

Charles attended elementary school in Lacey, Arkansas, middle school in Portland, Oregon and graduated from East High School in Waterloo, Iowa. At an early age, he would learn to know God when he attended A.M.E. Church in Longview, Arkansas, and Payne Methodist A.M.E Church in Waterloo, Iowa. His faith would continue to grow by becoming a member of Mt. Calvary Church in Portland, Oregon.

When he returned to Portland, Oregon he met the love of his life; Estelle Franklin. They married and shared a loving fifty-three (53) years together. Their love would also be shared with their son, Jarvis Franklin, whom was Charles’ joy.

Charles was a kind and compassionate individual who always had a comforting presence. He had a gentle demeanor that brought peace to those around them.

He was a dedicated industrious individual whose unwavering work ethic was an inspiration to all. He worked at Safeway, the Burlington Railroad, and would later go on to retire from Nordstrom. He approached every task with diligence, determination, and a commitment to excellence that was truly admirable. He will forever be seen as a shining example of hard work and dedication.

Not all about work, he made sure to make time for his hobbies. They included golfing, fishing, chess games with his grandson Anthony, and attending Lakers games with Jarvis. But let’s not forget to add his weight-training in his early years.

On Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11:47 a.m. Charles Edward Franklin departed from this world, to be with God, surrounded by loved ones at home in Vancouver, Washington. Charles will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Charles was preceded in death by his, mother, Dorothy Wayne-Bradford; father, John H. Franklin; stepfather, Lucious Bradford; sister, Irma Jean Robinson; step siblings, Arlington and Prentice Bradford.

He leaves to cherish fond memories with his loving and devoted wife, Estelle Franklin; son, Jarvis Franklin; granddaughter, Anashah Franklin; grandsons, Jarvis, Jr. and Anthony; three great-grandchildren, Santana, Elena, Najee; as well as his Goddaughter, Shakiyla (Miguel) Harris-James.

Charles also leaves behind his five sisters, Callen Harden, Julia Lambert, Dorothy Martin, Grace Ratliff, Katherine (Calvin) Harris; three brothers, John Franklin, Carl Franklin, Robert Franklin; his
stepmother, Ophia Jean Franklin; step siblings, Hoyt Johnson, Sharon Brooks, Patricia Brooks; brother-in-law, James Gibson; sisters-in-law, Sarah Mathis, Annie Mae; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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