Herbert Franklin

Herbert Franklin, 91, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025. He was the first of 12 children born to Leothy Franklin Sr. and Josephine (Thompson) Franklin on January 17, 1934 in Okmulgee, OK. He was a devoted member of the Northwest Baptist Church where he played the piano and organ from an early age. In 1951 at age 17, Herbert graduated from Dunbar High School and was awarded a scholarship to attend Tuskegee University as a pre-med student.

Herbert was drafted in 1953 during the Korean Conflict. He served in the 5th Armed Infantry and 4th Armed Medical Division of the Army until 1956. He married Janie L. Harris in 1955, and with this union two children were born, Vincent and Yolanda. He was stationed at various bases and had Far East tours such as Guam and Japan. Herbert entered the United States Air Force in 1956 and served with the 559th Combat Unit in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star Medal. He received many awards throughout his military career and as a civil service member. He was stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base from 1967 to 1971, and after retirement continued to live in Novato, CA with his family. Herbert was active in the community as the manager and coach for the Hamilton-Loma Verde Little League Baseball teams, and also coached the All-Star team.

He was affectingly called “Herb,” and his favorite hobbies were gardening, restoring cars, traveling and spending time with his family. He had a lifelong passion for music and was a songwriter, arranger, vocalist, song stylist, and recording artist who also performed overseas early in his military career. Herb performed at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, CA, the Flamingo in Santa Rosa, CA, several venues on Travis Air Force Base, and for numerous ceremonies and community events. In the summer of 2024, he achieved a lifelong goal of recording his first album titled “Silent Voices” produced by Joel Jaffe.

Herbert was a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist in Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine. He has worked at major research and medical centers throughout his career and held five National Certifications in the field of Diagnostic Medicine during his 24 years of military service. Herbert was employed at David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base Department of Defense for 28 years after retiring from the military. He was the Director and Executive Administrator over the Externship Program, Test Writer for the Air Force Education Training Command, and the Director overseeing 14 Training Sites at the Department of Commerce. He retired from Civil Service in 2008, leaving a legacy of over 900 professionals graduated under his leadership. He was also active with the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Herbert dedicated 52 years to the Armed Forces and Civil Service. God Bless America, he served with pride.

Herbert Franklin is survived by his Children: Vincent Franklin and Yolanda Franklin-Watts of Novato, CA; Sisters: Charlene Franklin and Mahalia Hawkins of Okmulgee, OK; a Brother: Lester (Zina) Franklin of Bald Hill, OK; In-Laws: Eunice Harris of Columbia, SC; Janice Harris of Columbus, GA; Ruby Hill of Laurel, MD; Edwin Ramsey of Tulsa, OK; Tom Brown of Kansas City, MO; William Armstrong of Birmingham, AL; and Johnny Watts of Zion, IL; Grandchildren: Julio Franklin, Moses Franklin Sr., Andrea Watts, Alyssa Watts, Reina Franklin, and Alanna Watts; Great-Grandchildren: Moses Franklin Jr., Emily Franklin, Ariana Franklin, Javion Han, Ally Franklin, Bailey Franklin, and Mia Han. He also has many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and very wonderful friends. Herbert was preceded in death by both Parents: Leothy and Josephine Franklin Sr.; his late Wife: Janie Franklin; Siblings and In-Laws: Elbert (Annelle) Franklin, Lenora (Homer) Hanson, Leothy (Essie) Franklin Jr., Oscar (Idella) Franklin, Roland (Dorothy) Franklin, Devora (Donny) Bates, Mildred Ramsey, Yvonne Brown, Matthew (Mary) Scott, George Harris Jr., James Harris, Malcolm Hill, Joyce Armstrong, and Margarita Franklin.

A visitation for Herbert will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Keaton's Redwood Chapel of Marin, 1801 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 1801 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947. A graveside service will occur Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at External Service Location, 650 Bugeia Ln, Novato, CA 94945.