Franklin D. Hunter

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Franklin Delano Hunter, age 84, who passed away 17 October 2017 in his home following an extended illness.

Franklin was born in Blairsville in 1932, the 8th of 9 children to the late James Hayes Hunter and the late Lydia Dyer Hunter. He was a member of Choestoe Baptist Church, Allegheny Masonic Lodge #114, the Scottish Rite, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Shriners International.

Preceding him in death were his siblings Howard Hunter, Hazel Collins, Irene Shuler, Blanche Swain, Lucille Johnson, Doris Souther, Mary Lou Walker and James Hunter.

Franklin will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 58 years, Carol Hunter; daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Robert Thomas; daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Robert Hamilton; grandchildren: Caitlin Jenkins, Manning Thomas, Kirk Hamilton and Connor Hamilton, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Franklin graduated from Union County High School in 1949. In 1950, he joined the Air Force and trained as an Aeromedical Technician and later as a Loadmaster. He served in Korea and two tours in Viet Nam before retiring in 1971 and settling back in Blairsville. Franklin worked with the Union County extension service and managed the Blairsville airport before his final retirement.

Franklin is remembered for his sense of humor and his ability to tell a story.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, October 20, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., to be held at Choestoe Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Zollinger officiating. Masonic graveside services and military honors will be presented at the burial at Choestoe Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen have been asked to serve as honorary escort to the family: Eric England, Charles Jenkins, Ken Walker, Zell Miller, and Harold Dyer. Visitation at the funeral home will be held on Thursday evening, October 19, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Flowers are being accepted; if you wish to do so, donations may be made to Homestead Hospice of Blairsville or Choestoe Baptist Church Building Fund in Franklin's memory.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge and is deeply appreciative of our friends May Ann Smith and Gloria Corbin, and to Homestead Hospice for caring for Franklin during his extended illness.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.