FRANKLIN F. MARTIN, 72

: R. T. Andrews; April 24, 2023; Hits: 1135

Business owner and Vietnam Vet served and led numerous civic organizations, including his beloved 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland

June 22, 1950 — April 11, 2023

Franklin Farnarwance Martin was born June 22, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio to General Ellis Martin and the late Mozelle Marie Martin. He died peacefully April 11, 2023, at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.

He packed prodigious activity, accomplishments, and service into those 72 years.

The second of seven children born into a household of Christian faith — his father was and remains a Baptist pastor — Franklin epitomized servant leadership as an active member and leader of many community organizations, consistently giving back to the community in a way that reflected his lifelong faith.

As a child, Franklin delivered papers for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and built up his route to the point he was designated a super carrier.

Following his graduation from John Adams HS in January 1969, Franklin enrolled in Cleveland State University where he studied music and business management. At an early age, Franklin married Barbara J. Branic. The couple had one child, Tiana Camille Martin.

Franklin enlisted in the US Air Force in July 1970. was injured in Vietnam and discharged honorably in July 1972, returning to the Plain Dealer, where his outstanding record as a carrier had opened the door to his becoming an apprentice printer. He stayed with the PD for twenty years, retiring as a journeyman compositor-printer.

While at the Plain Dealer, Franklin accepted a part-time position as print manager for a local bank. He began to purchase his own printing equipment with a view toward starting his own company. Over a span of 32 years as owner of FranDon Printing Company and F. Martin Printing companies on Lee Road near Chagrin Blvd. in Shaker Heights, Franklin became the primary printer for many churches and nonprofit organizations.

After Franklin’s retirement from his business, he was recruited by the regional director of the Veterans Administration to assist veterans with attaining disability benefits. While serving in this position, he worked closely with Cleveland Municipal Veteran’s Court assisting veterans coming before the bench. He retired again after eight years as a Benefits Counselor at the VA.

Franklin married Claudette Walcott on October 21, 2006. Their union led to some of Franklin’s best memories, including regular travels to their favorite getaways, including Aruba and the Bahamas, along with numerous cruises. Plans for a trip to Denmark had been put on hold by the pandemic.

Showing off some favorite vacation destinations

During his career, Franklin was a member of many organizations during his career, including The Black Professionals Association, which he served as president; the Shaker Heights Rotary Club [also president]; The Northeast Ohio Girl Scout Council, Bessie’s Angels, and the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland. The Reynards were his favorite social club.

Franklin also served as president of the Board of Trustees as a member of Affinity Missionary Baptist Church.

After his various retirements Franklin continued to stay active with friends, family, church, and a select few organizations close to his heart.

Franklin F. Martin at a gala event of 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland.

The 100 Black Men Cleveland chapter was deep in his heart. Franklin served as Vice President with three different Presidents, as public relations chair, and many times as Gala Chairman and Membership Chair. In addition, he chaired the Daniel E. Morgan Mentoring program and was its COO for eight years.

A member of a talented musical family, Franklin was blessed with a beautiful baritone voice. He sang with both the Prestonians and the Cleveland Choral Chapter. He played tuba in his high school band, and was also proficient on several other instruments, including clarinet, bass violin, piano and percussion. Jazz and gospel were his favorite musical genres. A semi-professional bowler for many years, Franklin also loved to golf.

Franklin was predeceased by his mother Mozelle, brother Wayne, and sister Celesia Martin.

Survivors include his wife, Claudette Walcott, Esq., daughter, Tiona Camille Martin-Thomsen [Henning] of Chicago, IL; his father, Rev. General E. Martin; two step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild; two brothers, Jefferson Martin and Brian Martin, M.D. [Temeress]; two sisters, Methia Martin and Carla Martin; mother-in-law Gladys Walcott, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life service was held Thursday, April 20 at Affinity Missionary Baptist Church, 4411 E. 175th St [44128]. A live stream of the service is available here.

A graveside service was held the following day at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH. Arrangements were handled by E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home.