Kenneth Ross Franklin

Kenneth "Ken" R. Franklin, 68, of Anaconda, passed away at his Anaconda home on June 9th, 2014 of natural causes. Ken was born in Detroit, Michigan to Thomas and Lourene Franklin. His family moved to the Anaconda area when he was a child. Ken attended school in Opportunity (Beaver Dam) and in Anaconda. He graduated from AHS in 1964, and went on to attend Montana Tech for 2 years. After college, he moved to the Hollywood, CA area to work on an oil rig. He returned to Anaconda where he married Barbara Salle in 1969, together they had 2 sons. Ken worked at the smelter and at the foundry until 1980, when the smelter was shut down. Ken moved with his family to California where he worked on an offshore oil rig until 1987 when he retired back to Anaconda with his family. Ken enjoyed staying busy with projects around the house, summer picnics, fishing, horse shoes, bowling, billiards, reading, spending time with friends, and always being involved with his family. He was a loving husband, patient father, and devoted grandfather. He was always willing to help his children but strongly believed in helping them help themselves. He was there for friends and family when help was needed. He did not burden others, including family, with problems even as his health deteriorated. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Barbara, sons Cory of Beverly Hills, CA and Tom of Holbrook, AZ, and grandchildren Samantha, Brittney, and Rielly of Anaconda. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lourene, and sister Lois Habets.