Franklin Delano McElwain, 79, of Sweet Home passed away at his home Monday. He was born in Richwood, West Virginia to “Mac” Chilton C. and Julia Mae (Smarr) McElwain.

Franklin served in the United States Navy from January 16, 1952 until his retirement on October 1, 1981. He was Chief Machinist’s Mate and received numerous medals and awards during his lifelong Navy career.

Franklin lived in West Virginia as a child until November 1942 when the family moved to Vanport, Oregon. The next year, they moved to Middlefield, Ohio and lived there until returning to Sweet Home in October 1946. Franklin attended Sweet Home High School until March 1950 when he began working for Oregon Plywood in Sweet Home until December 1951.

He entered the United States Navy in January 1952 beginning his life long career. Upon retiring, he returned to Sweet Home to care for his parents. Franklin married Deborah Karr in 1988 for the first time at the age of 55. He became Dad and Grandpa to a large family that he enjoyed spending so much of his time with.

Franklin was the Wagon Master for the Santiam Sams RV Club for a few years and really enjoyed it. He faithfully collected pop can tabs for kidney dialysis, and collected newspapers and old magazines from various businesses around town to help earn money for Santiam Sams RV Club. Franklin attended Community Chapel for many years. He enjoyed traveling and camping with the Santiam Sams RV Club, spending time with his family, watching sports on television, and helping family and friends with mechanical needs on their cars or anything with an engine… He could fix it!

Franklin is survived by: his step-son, John (and and wife, Carolyn) Karr of Sweet Home; sister, Edith Dobson (and husband, Wayne) of Mount Nebo, West Virginia; brother, Joe (and wife, Ruby) McElwain of Porterville, California; eleven grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Deborah Karr McElwain; brother, Edgar McElwain; sister, Eleanor Harrison; half-brother, William Rose; and his parents.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Community Chapel on Ames Creek in Sweet Home. Contributions may be made in Franklin’s name to Santiam Sams RV Club.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.