Franklin Blomquist

Born on October 22, 1933, in Taylor, Texas, at Stromberg Hospital, Franklin was the eleventh child of Robert Martin Blomquist and Lydia Hart Blomquist. He was raised in Taylor and graduated from Taylor High School in 1951.

On November 30, 1955, Franklin was drafted into the United States Navy, where he proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Vammen (DE-644) as a Logroom Yeoman. Following his honorable discharge on August 29, 1957, he returned to his work with Western Electric Installation, where he built a long and dedicated career spanning 32 years. Following his retirement, Franklin continued serving his community for 13 years as a salesman with Taylor Motor Company, where he enjoyed visiting with customers and building lasting relationships. Franklin remained deeply patriotic throughout his life and honored all branches of the United States military.

On November 30, 1963, Franklin married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean Daniel, at Tenth Street United Methodist Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, music, and travel.

Franklin was preceded in death by his father in 1951; his mother in 1973; and his beloved wife, Bonnie, in 2009. He was also preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses: Marjorie Ruth Blomquist (infant); Robert M. Blomquist, Jr. and Katherine; Lucille and John Hamilton; Elizabeth and Newman Powers; Helen and Stancel Coupland; Mildred and Roger McDonald; Milton and Neta Blomquist; Esther and Harold “Slim” Rowland; Dorothy and Wallace Johnson; and Frances and Norman Summers. In addition, he was preceded in death by nieces Patsy Berry, Ruth Blackwell, and Delinda Sterling, as well as great-nephews Brian Marak and Nathan Rowland.

He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family members, all of whom he dearly loved and treasured.

Franklin’s life was deeply rooted in his faith and his love for Jesus Christ. A lifelong member of Tenth Street United Methodist Church, he faithfully served in many leadership and administrative roles throughout the years. Music was one of his greatest joys. He sang in the church choir for 59 years and served as choir director for 30 years. Blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, he especially cherished harmonizing with his brothers and sisters through the years.

Franklin found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved cooking and baking bread, working crossword puzzles, tending to his flowers and vegetable gardens, and caring for his fruit trees. He also dearly loved his pets throughout the years, especially his beloved Border Collies, Spookie I and Spookie II, as well as his cat, Tiger.

A loyal sports fan, Franklin faithfully followed the Taylor Ducks and the SMU Mustangs and enjoyed attending many of their games. He also enjoyed all types of parades and especially treasured attending the Rose Bowl Parade. One of his favorite holidays was the Fourth of July. He delighted in eating watermelon and fresh cherries while watching fireworks light up the sky. He especially loved sharing that joy with his nieces and nephews, making certain they always had fireworks at Christmastime so they could experience the same excitement and merriment he treasured so much.

Franklin also had a passion for travel. In his younger years he enjoyed exploring new places, and he continued that love of travel with Bonnie throughout their marriage. Together they visited all 50 states and traveled extensively through Scandinavia, Europe, and Asia, creating treasured memories along the way.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of SPJST Senior Living, especially nurse Regina Lishey, for the special care and kindness she provided to our uncle.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral service at Tenth Street United Methodist Church, 410 W. 10th Street, Taylor, TX 76574. Graveside services will immediately follow at Taylor City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Tenth Street United Methodist Church or to the charity of one’s choice.

Pallbearers: Erik Johnson, Mathias Muegge, Gabe McDonald, Daniel Powers, Rick Tucker, Tyson Ruiz, David Calley, and Jason Robbins.

Honorary Pallbearers: MaryLu Coupland, Glenn Powers, James Rowland, Bob Blomquist, John McDonald, Paul Rowland, David Blomquist, Virginia Summers-Miller, Larry Blomquist, Gene Johnson, Lydia Brogan, and Carol Johnson.