Ross A. Franklin, age 81, of Carbondale, passed away on September 23, 2026, with family at his side.
Ross was born in 1945, in Columbus, Indiana to Cecil and Marcile (née Irle) Franklin. Ross attended elementary and high school in Carbondale, graduating from University High School in 1963, then attended Southern Illinois University, earning two degrees in Education. Ross married Martha “Jane” Morris of Carbondale on July 22, 1967.
During the Vietnam War, Ross served in the United States Marine Corps, with assignments at Quantico, Cherry Point, Camp Lejeune, and ultimately Vietnam. He rose to the rank of Captain and, throughout his life, carried a deep respect for his fellow Marines and his country.
After returning to Carbondale, Ross began his teaching career with Carbondale School District #95, serving as a Physical Education teacher and later as Principal of Lincoln Jr. High School. Ross will be remembered by countless colleagues and students for his fairness, steady authority, and genuine care for those students he guided through the years.
Ross had many hobbies; he was an avid fisherman, hunter, tennis player, and golfer. Putting those skills to good use, there are many people in Carbondale who learned to swim and play tennis during the many summers he taught lessons.
Ross had a deep commitment to the Carbondale Community, and especially to his lifelong friendships. This commitment was central to who he was as a person, and he viewed both as a connection to life.
Ross is preceded in death by wife, Jane, parents, and one sister Barbara Franklin of Los Angelas California.
Ross is survived by two children: Jeff Franklin (Darrell Bryant) of Carbondale; and Christi Bonaccorsi of La Grange (Bill); three grandchildren: Kristopher, Maxwell, and Katie; two great-grandchildren: Logan and Amelia; and a brother, Marc Franklin of Cape Girardeau, Mo.
To honor his request, Ross’ life will be celebrated privately and inurnment will be at Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale, Illinois. Walker Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone at Century Assisted Living for the compassionate care they provided and for creating a home for the last 6 years. In addition, we would like to thank the staff at Integrity Healthcare in Marion for their wonderful care during the last month of Ross’ life.
Ross will be deeply missed; he was a devoted family man whose generosity, integrity, guidance, and sense of humor enriched the lives of all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the many stories he shared, and in the many stories that will be shared about him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial remembrances be directed to the SIU Foundation for the Franklin Family Endowed Scholarship in Health Careers. Checks should be made payable to the SIU Foundation, noting the Franklin Family Scholarship and mailed to:
Southern Illinois University Foundation
1264 Lincoln Drive Mail Code 6805
Carbondale, IL 62901
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