Robert L Franklin, Sr

Robert Lee Franklin, Sr., aka “Sugar”, age 79, a native and resident of Plaquemine, Louisiana, transitioned from earth to eternal life on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 3:15 p.m. at home surrounded by loved ones. Our hearts are filled with sorrow, but we realize that this is God’s will.

Robert “Sugar” was born to the late Earl Dunlap and Elizabeth Franklin-Dunlap on January 23, 1944, in Plaquemine, Louisiana. He was one of thirteen children. Robert was educated in the schools of Iberville Parish. He was baptized at an early age by the late Reverend Van Smith, Sr. of the Greater Saint Mary Baptist Church. He loved his church and was a faithful member until he became ill.

Robert moved to Lorain, Ohio in 1965 where he was employed as an automotive painter at Ford Motor Company for over 37 years. He retired in 2005 and moved back home to Plaquemine. He worked part-time at Iberville Parks and Recreation from 2015 to 2023.

Robert was a kindhearted and giving man who was always willing to help and serve in any way he could. He was a proud father and grandfather. He also loved spending time with his siblings. He lived life by spending time with his family and friends. He had a special bond with his nephews, especially Edward Dunlap whom he visited quite often. Robert loved listening to music and was very passionate about antique cars and wearing suits and hats. He was an avid sports fan of the New Orleans Saints football team.

Left to cherish his memories are four daughters, one step-daughter and two sons-in-law, Kimberly Denise Pruitt, Berdell Franklin, April Franklin, all of Lorain, Ohio; Yolanda (Larry) Dockery of Fredericksburg, Virginia and Shirley (Harry) Jennings of Lorain, Ohio; five sons, one step-son and two daughters-in-law; Robert Lee (Tara Lynn) Franklin, Jr of Brusly, Louisiana; Roderick Earl (Annette) Franklin Sr; Daraise Franklin, Vincent Turner, Ryan Franklin and Demetrius Pruitt all of Lorain, Ohio, five devoted sisters and brothers-in-law; Geraldine (Rev. Edward, Jr) Armstead;  Cheryl(Joseph, Sr.) Williams, Lois Franklin, Glenda (Frank, Sr) Jackson; Berdell (Roger, Sr) Breaux; one brother, Gregory Franklin, all of Plaquemine, Louisiana; 29 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by wife Lois Clayton-Franklin, parents Earl and Elizabeth Dunlap, sisters; Clara Lee Spriggs, Hazel Walker, Gloria Oubre and Mary Elizabeth Dunlap, brothers; Earl Franklin, Nathaniel Franklin, 1 niece and 4 nephews.

A visitation will be held Saturday July 22, 2023 from 5-7PM at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home, 2652 Broadway Ave, Lorain. Funeral services will be held next Saturday in Louisiana.