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Feb. 13. 1962-Dec. 30. 2023

 

Todd B. Franklin, 61, of Estero Florida, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. He was born on Feb. 13, 1962, in Dowagiac, the son of the late Harold and Wanda (Bayton) Franklin. On July 29, 2000, he was united in marriage to Sharese Best.
Until Todd retired, about 15 years ago, he was the fourth-generation owner and operator of Franklin and Son, in Dowagiac Michigan.
Todd spent just over 50 years on the Mill Pond, where he grew up and raised a beautiful family. The Mill Pond was a haven for Todd of cherished memories of family gatherings and countless celebrations. During the winter, Todd enjoyed ice fishing with his son on the Mill Pond and snowmobiling with friends in the Upper Peninsula, especially on Sundog Lake, Canada and locally. Todd loved rifle and bow hunting, where he found solitude peaceful and has many prize-worthy deer mementos from his hunting trips. Todd was a wonderful pool player and savored moments with friends while playing in pool leagues. Todd was a movie and television show connoisseur, and a supporter of University of Michigan athletics. He greatly treasured all the memories of laughter over beers with his large abundance of friends throughout his life.
Todd was an active and large supporter of the local community. For many years, he was a member of the Chemical Bank Board, and the SMC Foundation Board. Todd was a proficient financial expert and stock market enthusiast, who routinely watched and read economic updates. Todd was an avid lifelong golfer, who found profound happiness in playing golf with friends, but especially his wife, son and daughter at Orchard Hills Country Club in Buchanan, Michigan and West Bay Golf Club in Estero, Florida. Todd passed away peacefully and spent his final days with his wife and daughter overlooking the sunset of Estero Bay.
Surviving are his wife of 23 years, Sharese Franklin; two children — Max (Kayla) Franklin and Rebecca Franklin; brother — Mason Franklin; and his loving cat — Coco.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and two sisters — Hilary Kendis and Tracy Franklin.
A memorial gathering will be held from 2-4 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services-Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center Street, Dowagiac. Memorial contributions in Todd’s name may be directed to the Harold B. Franklin Memorial Scholarship of SMC. Those wishing to share a memory of Todd online may do so at www.clarkch.com