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<p><em>Kenneth Mike Franklin</em>, the son of Curtis Lionel Franklin Sr. and Myrtle Lee Beiers Franklin, was born in Anderson, SC. He was one of three children, with siblings Gail Elrod (deceased-2020) and Curtis Franklin.</p>
<p>Mike grew up in Anderson. In July 1973, after graduating from T.L. Hanna High School, he headed north for a rendezvous with the “Man with the Red Sash” and the start of his West Point experience. With Beast Barracks behind him, he settled in Company G-4, where he built lifelong friendships, enjoyed the camaraderie of his classmates, and experienced the thrill of skydiving. Most cadets find subtle ways to push back against the restrictions and discipline of West Point, and Mike was no different. He found a cool rock he named “Elmo” and kept it as a pseudo pet, along with some sea monkeys he ordered from Grit Magazine. Mike thoroughly enjoyed introducing his companymates to his pet “Elmo,” only to see their expression when they saw the (football-size) rock. In the second semester of plebe year Mike joined the West Point Parachute Team, the “Black Knights,” and began a cadet career of skydiving. Mike loved punching holes in the sky over Lake Frederick; Wallkill, NY; and Gardiner, NY drop zones. He was never happier than when he put on his skydiving jumpsuit. Mike served as the team secretary during cow year and as president firstie year. In the off-season, when he wasn’t involved with team activities, Mike would find other high-adventure recreational activities like “jet-sledding” down the hill at Delafield Pond after dark. Despite his somewhat rebellious nature, Mike was known by his classmates as a kind, quiet, gentle person who loved to laugh and who influenced others in a positive way through his strong character.</p>
<p>After graduation, Mike traded cadet gray for Army green. Although he had many branch options, he chose Infantry because of the positive influence of mentors from the Parachute Team and academic faculty. Mike’s first assignment took him to the Panama Canal Zone, where he served with the 193rd Infantry Brigade.</p>
<p>Following that assignment, he transferred to the Military Police Corps, attended the MP Career Course in 1981, and completed a follow-on assignment with the 560th MP Company at Fort Monroe, VA from 1981 to 1982.</p>
<p>Mike found himself increasingly drawn to the spiritual side of life and, in 1982, he resigned from active duty to become Methodist minister. He served as pastor of the Buckhorn United Methodist Church in Moncure, NC from 1985 to 1988. During that time (1986), Mike received his Master of Divinity degree from Duke University. In 1988, Mike resigned his U.S. Army commission and accepted a commission in the U.S. Navy at Annapolis (of all places!) as a Navy chaplain.</p>
<p>Mike served as a staff chaplain at Pensacola Naval Air Station from 1988 to 1991 and as the command chaplain aboard USS California (CGN 36) from 1991 to 1993. From 1993 to 1994, Mike attended Yale University as a Naval Postgraduate School student, earning another master’s degree in sacred theology. He subsequently earned an Ed.D. from Argosy University and his Professional Counselor License. Mike also served two years (1999-2000) as an exchange officer in the Royal British Navy, an assignment he was very proud of. In 2003, with 20 years of active-duty service—five in the Army and 15 in the Navy—Mike retired as a lieutenant commander.</p>
<p>During his career as a Navy chaplain, Mike found his calling in pastoral care, ministering to young struggling Marines, and sought opportunities to continue in that role. His search brought him to Helena, MO and Carroll College, where he put his counseling skills to work as the director of counseling services. As a counselor, Mike had a profound influence on everyone around him, especially those in emotional and spiritual need. He helped many young college students navigate the stresses of life associated with being in a new environment, adjusting to the rigors of academics, and responding to the many challenges that life can present. He was particularly effective in helping students cope with bouts of depression and suicidal thoughts. As he did in the service, Mike mentored those he supervised in advancing their careers.</p>
<p>Mike’s years in Helena were filled with adventures, as well as emotional and spiritual fulfillment. He always enjoyed a good laugh, including attempts at stand-up comedy at a local brewery. He loved the thrill of high-intensity sports, including rugby, skiing, kayaking, and river-boarding in white water. He was moved by the beauty of Montana’s Rocky Mountains and enjoyed hiking off the beaten path with his faithful dog, Gracie. Although Mike had a previous marriage with no children, it was in Helena that he met, fell in love with, and married Georgia Lovelady. He treasured the time with Georgia, with whom he shared a blissful but all-too-short life together.</p>
<p>Mike’s life ended tragically in Helena on September 20, 2014 from severe depression. He is remembered by his wife and her two sons, Cole and Eric, and by countless others as being a warm, gentle, and caring soul who took a sincere interest in people, always asking the right questions and willing to listen deeply. He was a good friend who was unfailingly kind, gregarious, and principled.</p>
<p>Mike Franklin was an admirable man—smart, dedicated, decent, and respected by all who knew and worked with him. May he rest in peace.</p>
<p><em>— Classmates and family</em></p>
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