Franklin Keith Knowlton

Franklin "Tiny" Keith Knowlton, age 80, of Galvin, Washington passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022 at Providence Centralia Hospital. Franklin was born Sept. 14, 1941 in North Bend, Oregon to Luke Franklin and Thelma Nadine Thompson.

Tiny grew up in Myrtle Point, Oregon, where he graduated in 1959. Right after graduation, he joined the United States Army, where he served two years for his country. Tiny then finished up his college education. Soon after he finished school, he met Layna Tevis, and they married in 1965. After 25 years of marriage they divorced, but not before having five wonderful children together and remained good friends.

In 1993, Tiny married Aivlys "Beth" Tabinas and remained married until his death. Beth took good care of Tiny after his first stroke in 2016. He liked adventure never staying too long in one place, so he moved his young family from Oregon, to Colorado, to Idaho, then finally settling down in Washington state. Tiny worked most of his life, working seven days a week, to make sure his family had everything they needed. He had a heart of gold, always there to help out his family, friends and even strangers. The only days he took off were Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Opening Day of Buck Season. Tiny’s favorite time of year hunting season. It wasn’t the hunting he loved, it was the bullshitting and jokes he loved. His favorite proverb was “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”

Many called him "Johnny Cash," as they thought he looked just like him.

Tiny was preceded in death by siblings, Patricia Beebe of Coos Bay, Oregon, Robert Knowlton of Dora, Oregon and Caroline Clary of Chehalis, Washington.

Survivors include his wife Beth; daughter Trina (Rob) Simmons of Federal Way, Washington; daughter Lea (Tim) Westbrook of Centralia, Washington; sons Kerry (Richelle) Knowlton of Doty, Washington, Keith (Shah) of Arlington, Texas, Aaron (Saralyn) of Boulder, Montana; good friends, Layna and Bill Johnson of Adna, Washington; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who he loved very much.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held March 12, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at Fred Hess Kitchen, 235 SW 13th St., Chehalis, Washington 98532. Next to Virgil R. Lee Building at Recreation Park.

We Know Loss

Because We’ve Felt Love and Hope

We Know Sadness

Because We’ve Understood Happiness

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com for the Knowlton family.