Obituary In memory of Stephen "Steve" Thomas Franklin

Stephen "Steve" Thomas Franklin, 40, of South Boston, Virginia, passed away on February 15, 2022. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana on May 9, 1981, and raised in Bossier City, Louisiana. He was the son of Stephen E. Franklin and Margaret "Patti" Schumacher Franklin.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Celena, and their two daughters, Ava and Adelyn; grandfather, Verlyn J. Schumacher; grandmother, Lucille M. Robertson; his parents, Stephen and Patti; brothers; Curtis S. Franklin (Linda), Robert D. Franklin (Jessica); sister, Christin Romagossa (Garrett); step brothers,Kyle Thomas (USN), (Stacie), Mike Ellerd ; Aunts; Sharon Legleiter (Donnie), Martha Cathey (Tom); Uncles, Tom Schumacher (Tracy), David Franklin (Laura); as well as numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, beloved friends and military brothers. Steve looked after younger siblings, Robby & Christin! Christin called him, “ her twin”, Robby was 7 years , their junior. He had a strong friendship with his siblings, Robby was his best friend, he and Christin looked up to Stevie. He bonded to Robby, before he was born. Stevie, at age 7, stepped in to care for his baby brother like he belonged to him. Stevie loved his family and friends with all guards down, everyone he loved,felt loved in a powerful way.

Steve was preceded in death by his; great grandparents, Celestine and Helen Schumacher; great grandma, Thelma Walker; maternal grandmother, Margaret Shumaker Rush; paternal grandfather, Robert Franklin & Dennis Robertson; Cousin Erin Werth; Uncle Billy McKinney, and brother in law Jason Barnett.

Steve was raised in Bossier City, La, After high school, Steve joined and honorably served in the United States Navy, for 10 years, as an RSS instructor & rescue swimmer. While serving multiple tours of duty, he was awarded three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the United States Navy Air Medal with Bronze Star, the honor of being named HSL 42s Sailor of the Year, Lead aircrew 2009 lead aircrewmen of the year & U.S. Navy SAR instructor of the year 2011, along with several letters of accommodation. Steve followed military steps of Grandpas; Verlyn J. Schumacher (USAF),Robert Franklin (USA), Uncles; Thomas W. Schumacher(USN), David Franklin(USA), brother; Robert D. Franklin(USN), cousin; Ericka L. Lively, (USN), along with many other family. Steve formed lasting brotherhoods with those he fought alongside; and those he taught, during his 10 years in the Navy. He shared a special bond with maternal grandfather Verlyn J. Schumacher, of Hays Kansas. Both, were active members of the American Legion. They took turns visiting their respective posts in their hometowns, of Hays,Kansas and South Boston, Virginia. They had a special grandfather/grandson Military bond. They enjoyed fellowship with other military members. The brews and comedy were constantly flowing, leaving all around reeling in laughter.

Following his honorable leave from military service, Steve took his wife, Celena & his two precious daughters; Ava & Adelyn, to South Boston, Virginia, to be near her family. Steve went on to pursue his ER career as an RN. He received his Associates in Nursing & became a Registered Nurse, Steve worked as a ER RN and completed his BSN, all during the time Celena went back to school to receive her degree in Nursing. She graduated top of her class, and later became a RN. Steve was so proud, he let her shine, because he already graduated once, it was her time! He chose be a traveling ER RN, while Celena went to work and the girls went to school in South Boston.

He never took to self boasting, his joy was boosting morale of others!

Celena said it best;” to know Steve, was to love Steve.” He truly, never met a stranger.

Steve was Avid sports fan his whole life. Steve loved Dallas Cowboys & LSU Tigers. He had life long friends from his years of actively playing in all forms sports. His favorite sports activity, as a adult, was coaching his two precious daughter’s,Ava & Adelyn, girls’ soccer team. He love to teach swimming to children at local pool. He was a loved mentor to children in his neighborhood.

He loved and cherished his wife, Celena & their two beautiful daughters; Ava & Adelyn. Their family unity was a inspiration for many to see. He was a devoted husband, father, grandson, son, brother, friend, comrade and colleague. Steve is best known for making everyone around him laugh and for offering his shoulder to anyone in need. Everyone who knew Steve would tell you he never met a stranger and made lifelong friends wherever he went.

His out going nature, constant comic relief, undeniable intellect, huge heart and best hugger in the world, made him a very unique shining star. His light attracted life of every type to feel his gift of happiness, peace, strength. He was everything a child of God should be!

He made this world a better place to be in. He left us his two greatest lights to carry his unique gifts to those left behind; for it is us, who suffer loss from his death. Steve never wanted anyone to suffer! He made his mark in thousands of hearts. Thousands more through the hearts his daughters will touch. His Legacy never ends! Dad copied and pasted me ; as daughter Adelyn, once described her physical resemblance to her Dad. He was his girls hero. He lived to make them happy. Steve didn’t disappear from life, he left his earthly body and took another form!

There is a Celebration of Life planned by his wife and family on March 26, 2022, in South Boston, Virginia . Check Steve, or Celena’s Facebook pages for further details.

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