William Anthony Franklin

CW2 William Anthony Franklin, proud father of four, 40, of Charlestown, IN passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. He was born in Bowling Green, KY to William L. Franklin and Denise L. Littrell. His memory lives on through his family; wife Emilie; daughter, Kyla (Evan); sons, Asher, Miles, and Oliver; and dogs Wilson and Sunny. 

Anthony was preceded in death by his father William. He is survived by his grandmothers, Kaye Franklin, and Linda Hardesty; mother, Denise Littrell; brother, Jesse Franklin; sister, Kayla Franklin; mother-in-law, Erin McCloskey; father-in-law Robert LaFountain; sister’s-in-law, Ariel MacIntosh, and Nacole Morro; brother’s-in-law Deven MacIntosh, and Darrell LaFountain; nieces Jaelynn, Anniston, Mila, Marley and nephew Eli. Along with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Anthony was a proud veteran. He enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard in 2008 as a Cavalry Scout in A Troop, 1-152 Cavalry in Madison, IN. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant before receiving an appointment as a Warrant Officer in 2021. Thereafter, he served as a Network Management Technician in the 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade and Company A, 38th Infantry Division. He deployed in 2019-2020 in support of Operation Spartan Shield to Kuwait. During his career, he earned numerous awards including, but not limited to, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. In addition to his military career, Franklin earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, finding his niche in the civilian world through his work in Information Technology.

Anthony will always be remembered for his ability to turn a bad situation into something to laugh about with a perfectly placed ‘dad joke.’ We’ll never forget hearing him sing the words to countless songs like “Santeria,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner or parent and will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved and respected him for the person he was and the person he strived to be every day.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Mission22 at https://mission22.com/.

Services are as follows: Life Celebration service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown. Burial will follow at Charlestown Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm and again on Thursday morning from 9:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home.