Craig Lewis Franklin

Craig made the journey home to our Father In Heaven on the evening of December 8th while surrounded by his loving family. He was 69 years of age.Craig was the third of seven, born to Merton and Lucille Franklin of Rockford, Illinois. Being the middle child he was was not only a peace maker, but also a trouble maker. He enjoyed summers in Iowa with his siblings, Steve, Merton, Kim, Heidi, and Laurie as well as many cousins.After graduating high school he came to Rexburg to attend college where he met his eternal companion Lennis Merritt. They were married on January 12th, 1973 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple, then making their permanent home in Afton. They were quickly blessed with seven wonderful children, and now with eight grandchildren his legacy continues to grow. Craig had a manufacturing career in Star Valley working at multiple companies. His favorite was always Aviat where he prided himself as being a specialized machinist. He held numerous callings with the Afton 4th Ward, enjoying the challenges that accompanied each assignment.Throughout Craig’s life his most important job was to be a loving husband and father. Craig was the family’s leader in many grand adventures, as well as the instigator of several fun misadventures. There were many “National Lampoon” style road trips while visiting relatives or going hiking and camping. He always enjoyed time on the lake, and had an unquenchable thirst for British Television. He was poetic when he spoke and profound in his thought. Craig’s example of patience, kindness and love will forever inspire all that he welcomed into his life.He is survived by his loyal wife Lennis, and his mischievous yet marvelous children, Jonathan (Becky) of Etna, Christy (Robert) of Afton, David of Driggs, Id, Daniel (Cassie) of Aurora, Co, Michael of Aurora, Co. Rose of Blackfoot, Id. He is proceed in death by his mother and father, his brother Bruce, and his sweet daughter Laura.