Walter Hamilton Franklin

Walter Hamilton Franklin was called home to be with the Lord, on March 9, 2015. Walter was born January 6, 1932, in Culpeper County, Virginia, to Susie Marie C. Franklin and Walter Hamilton Jackson, both of the same County. They both have preceded him in death. Walter attended public school in Alanthus. He attended The George Washington Carver High School, until he enlisted in the Military Service Branch of the United States Air Force. Walter was first joined in Holy Matrimony to Patricia M. Lawrence of England and from their union bore three children, Darren C., Karen J. and Shelly L. Franklin. Walter would later meet and marry the love of his life Jean Sweitzer, a marriage of 32 years, and with this marriage he inherited a step son John Sweitzer. Walter who was affectionately known as Walt and to others Jimmie, found Christ at an early age. His first introduction was as a baptized member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Alanthus, Culpeper County, Virginia. Walter would later rededicate his life to the Lord, by attending Colorado Community Church. Walter spent timeless hours fishing, a pastime which started in his Virginia hometown. He also enjoyed countless hours with his buddies playing Pinochle at Treas #3. Walter had many friends who loved him and he loved them back. Walter's military service span 30 years. He retired with full honors at the level of Staff Sargent. He continued to work by joining Farmers Union Insurance for a period of 15 years as a Warehouse Manager. Walter leaves to mourn his passing, wife Jean Sweitzer; son Darren Franklin of Denver; daughters Karen Simmons and Shelly Franklin of Los Angeles; son John Sweitzer and daughter-in-law Susan of Maui; sister Jean Franklin Cowdery, of Philadelphia, PA; aunt Ruth Franklin of Clifton, Virginia; grandchildren, Eilisha Franklin (Alvilla) Nelson, of Texas, Brandon (Gynna) Simmons, Whitney (Kendrick) Alford of Los Angeles, Tyler (Candice) Franklin of Denver, Jelani Deberry of Los Angeles, Jon Sweitzer of Denver; great-grandchildren, Kaden, Jordan, Elias, Alvilla and Brandyn; one very special cousin, Douglas Banks of Glenarden, MD, lived with Walt-Jimmie and his sister Jean and family for many years as though they were brothers and sister. Also left to mourn are nearly 300 cousins, and a host of extended family and friends. A Funeral Service to celebrate Walter's life will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at 10:00am, at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., Aurora, CO 80014. A viewing will be held prior to the service on Tuesday, from 9:00-10:00am. Burial will also be on Tuesday, 12Noon, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver with Full Military Honors.