Donnie Gene Franklin, 81, of Monroe, Louisiana went to his heavenly home on September 20, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, respected businessman, and a faithful Christian with a heart for serving others.

Services for Donnie are scheduled for Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ.  Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery, Farmerville, LA. Visitation with the family is Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 1200 Lamy Lane, Monroe, LA.

Donnie was born on October 16, 1941, to the late Elvis and Lorene Franklin. He was educated in the Ruston High School system and was a graduate of Louisiana Business College. Donnie attended Northeast Louisiana University and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam conflict.

Donnie served as Executive Vice President of the former People’s Homestead and as Vice President of JPMorgan Chase where he played an active role in promoting the growth of the organization in Monroe, overseeing construction of the facilities built in the Monroe Air Industrial Park. Donnie was a leader who was dedicated to both his employer and its employees.

An active member of Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ, Donnie served as a deacon and was integral in the supervision of building maintenance for the church. Throughout his life, Donnie was very active in civic and community affairs and was a member and former officer of the Monroe Rotary Club, was a Paul Harris Fellow, was selected as the Monroe Jaycees 1974 Monroe’s Outstanding Young Man of the Year, and was presented the Monroe Pacesetter Award. Donnie was past Distinguished President of the Greater Monroe Optimist Club and was president of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce “President’s Club”. Donnie had a servant’s heart and served in various capacities in several organizations while assisting with fundraising for the United Way, The Heart Fund, the project to build T. L. James Boy Scout Camp, and the fundraising event for the “Shindig” for Ouachita Council on Aging. Additionally, he was a former board member for the March of Dimes and previously served on the Boy Scouts Learning for Life committee.

Donnie was known for his love of family and country. He was a member of the American Legion and was proud to be an American. He was his daughters’ greatest supporter and his grandchildren’s biggest fan. Donnie was intentional about making meaningful memories with his family and was a wonderful example of a godly husband, father, and grandfather. He is lovingly remembered as the dad who cheered loudly from the stands at high school games, teared up with pride for his family, and frequently modeled principles that continue to be passed down to his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Elvis and Lorene Franklin; sister, Linda Green; and brother, Elvis L. Franklin.

Donnie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Franklin; two daughters, Holley (Harrell) Wilson of Rison, AR, and Staci (Brian) Chambley of Baton Rouge, LA. “Poppy” was a doting grandfather and is survived by four grandsons: Hagan (Chloe) Wilson, Davis Wilson, Graham Chambley, and Thomas Wilson; one granddaughter, Caroline Chambley; and one great-granddaughter Selah Wilson.

Pallbearers will be Alan Malone, Wayne Maureau, Brantley Oliver, Hagan Wilson, Davis Wilson, Graham Chambley, and Thomas Wilson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ronnie Teague, Dr. White Graves, Micah Harper, Kevin Smith, Dr. Sol Graves, and Paul Benjamin.

The family requests that memorials or donations be made to Ouachita Christian School, 7065 US-165, Monroe, LA 71203.

Services are under the care and direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Monroe.

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