Dayton Ladru Franklin

Dayton Ladru Franklin, 96, of Herrin, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the CLC of the Marion VA. 

Private services with military rites will be held. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the D.A.V. (Disabled American Veteran), Chapter 71, P.O. Box 413, Marion, Illinois 62959.

Dayton was born May 22, 1925, in Herrin, to Enoch and Kathleen (Snyder) Franklin. He married Bonnie Rose Mays on April 16, 1945, in Herrin. She preceded him in death on May 13, 2020.

Dayton is survived by his sons, Monte (Bonnie) Franklin and Bruce “Bengi” Franklin; grandchildren, Laura (Danny) Long, Dru (Diann) Franklin, Adam (Michelle) Franklin, Kelsey (Anthony) Rohrer, and Hayden Franklin; great-grandchildren, Ciara (Jacob) Severin, Braxton Rose, Madeline Franklin, Aubrey Franklin, Grayson, Oliver, and Rory Rohrer; and great great-grandchildren, Chandler and Clayton Severin; brother, Conrad Franklin; sister, Corann Foy; and numerous nieces and nephews; all whom he loved dearly. 

Dayton was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Lynwood Franklin; and sister, Rilla Haught. 

Dayton grew up in Colp.  In 1943, he was drafted in the Army at age 18.  In August 1944, as his company was clearing Germans from French towns, Dayton was hit by machine gun fire.  After recovering in a hospital in England, he returned to the states in January 1945 stationed in Chicago.  In 1946, he was discharged two days after Monte’s birth.  Dayton started working as a meat cutter at Babe’s Market in 1946.  He continued as a meat cutter for 41 years at Borens’ IGA and Glenn’s Super Foods.  

Dayton enjoyed hunting with family and friends, bowling, and cheering on his Chicago Cubs. In the 60s he also coached Khoury and Coal Belt League baseball in the summer.

Dayton returned from the war determined to be a positive influence in the community.  He was a member of the Herrin School Board from 1960-1997, serving as president for 18 years.  He was volunteer director of the Herrin Civic Center for 16 years from 1988-2004.   Other boards on which he served were Williamson County Programs on Aging and Williamson County Housing Authority.   Dayton was a member of United Methodist Church of Herrin.  He was a member of Herrin’s Prairie Masonic Lodge No. 693 since 1949.  Dayton was active in Marion Chapter 71 of the Disabled American Veteran, serving as Commander.   

The family would like to thank staff at the Marion VA Community Living Center for their compassionate care for Dayton in his last week.   

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville is in charge of arrangements. For more information, visit rigginpillatschburkefh.com. 

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