Franklin James Mallett

Franklin James Mallett (94) left his earthly home for a heavenly one on February 16, 2017. Born in rural southeastern Ohio on July 9, 1922, Monroe County was his home until his college years. His parents were Urban James and Susan Jane (Billman) Mallett. After service with the U.S. Army during WWII, Franklin married his wife, Lucy, and they moved from Monroe County first to Columbus, Ohio and then to the Dayton, Ohio area where he lived for the rest of his life. A teacher, accountant, and manager during his working years, Franklin had a long tenure at Wright-Patterson AFB, retiring in 1980 to pursue teaching and agricultural interests. In retirement years he enjoyed his family, working on the land and employing the farm skills he learned as a small boy. Franklin was a dedicated Christian and active member of the United Methodist Church serving in many capacities at Medway UMC, New Carlisle UMC, and most recently St. James UMC in Miamisburg, OH. He worked on building additions, financial and other stewardship projects, taught Sunday School, served on many committees, and represented his congregation at conference-wide meetings. He lived out his beliefs and made a positive difference. This loving father, brother, grandfather, and friend will be sadly missed. Franklin is survived by his children Bonnie (Joseph) Melhart of Fort Worth, TX, Bruce (Becky) of Atlanta, GA, Brian (Elaine) of Belle Meade, NJ, Beth (Floyd) Baker of Burke, VA, and Belinda Mallett of Springboro, OH; and by his sisters Geneva Powers of Springfield, OH and Gladys (Marlyn) Cunningham of Sardis, OH. He is also survived by grandchildren Kelly Richey, Susan Hudson, Jennifer Bird, Hollie Hendershot, Lauren Melhart, Benjamin Mallett, Gregory Mallett, Douglas Mallett, Megan Baker, Ivan Mallett, Homer Baker IV, Joshua Baker, Elena Mallett, and by great-grandchildren Elizabeth Richey, Ethan Richey, Alexis Bird, Michael Bird, Andrew Hendershot, Ashley Hendershot, London Hudson, Linley Hudson, and Jackson Hulsey. In addition to his parents, Franklin was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Lucy (Starr) Mallett, and by sisters Kathryn Taylor and Lucille Powers, and brothers Harry and James. Visitation will be Sunday, February 19, 2017 from 4-7PM in TROSTEL, CHAPMAN, DUNBAR & FRALEY FUNERAL HOME, New Carlisle, Ohio. Funeral service will be Monday, February 20, 2107 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Medway Cemetery. The family would like to thank Otterbein Avalon Springboro for their care of Franklin during his last months. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.trostelchapman.com.