Milton Paul Franklin Sr.

Most people know him as T.O.A.F.M Toothless One Arm Fatman, at one time he had business cards with that on them! One Arm Bandit, Papa Fatman, Uncle Paul, we called him Dad.

Milton Paul Franklin Sr. was born in Houston, Texas son of Nora Mae Franklin & Reverend Henry for Franklin Sr. on Aug 9, 1951. June 1, 2024, he told us he could see his son, mother and other relatives beckoning him, before he could no longer speak. June 2, 2024, His lengthy battle of cancer ended in the embrace of his sincere wife Alicia Franklin. Milton’s youth was happy carefree, he loved playing the tambourine on the front pew in a Pentecostal church. Life drastically changed in 1971 with the loss of his hand in a meat grinder working as a butcher. This tragedy did not stop him! A determined man working odd jobs hitchhiked to town when the car had broken down. Mechanic at Pete’s Exxon or TAMU, Brookshire brothers in Navasota Texas. Relocating from Texas to Southern California until he had to get on disability. Knowledgeable intelligent man jack of all trades. Amputee was not a disability, nor did it take his sense of humor. He loved to tell kids an alligator bit it off or an ATM got it. He played football and baseball at get togethers or in yard with grandchildren, great grandchildren. Hobbies: Cards, Dominoes, Karaoke. His love for football made the house divided between Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans. He made the best Lemon meringue pie. Drove a standard car with his nub! This man was lucky enough to love two beautiful women in his lifetime! Doris Loraine Franklin mother of Tracey Renee Franklin, Milton Paul Franklin Jr. Michael DeWayne Franklin I. His heart soared again when God blessed him with Alicia Franklin a great woman with who loved him passionately cared for him and treated him like a king. Her first love his last love. Alicia & Milton life together was full of love and laughter loyalty. When they danced, they owned the floor. When he sang, she was his biggest fan. Smoky Mountains are a part of our fondest memories. Through the good and bad they found a rainbow in each other.

Milton was preceded in death by his mother Nora & Father Henry Franklin Sr, Brothers Henry & James Franklin, His beloved son Michael DeWayne Franklin I.

He leaves behind a legacy of love.

Milton’s surviving siblings Sandra Crenshaw, Joel Steven Franklin. Daughter Tracey Stone & son in-law David Stone. Son Milton Paul Franklin Jr & Daughter in-law Crystal Tole Franklin, Daughter in-law Katrina Franklin widow of Son Michael Dewayne Franklin I. Grandchildren: Thai- Anthony & April Pointer, Michael DeWayne Franklin II & Amanda Franklin. Rebecca Loraine Franklin, Dusty Walkishaw, Andre Oliver, Mareana Franklin, Kylie & Cody Sodalak, Zackary and Jackie Franklin, Dolores & Brandon Evans, Christina Jeffers. There is an abundance of amazing Great Grandchildren I did not list names for fear I might leave someone out.

A Limb Has Fallen From the Family Tree

I keep hearing voices saying grieve not for me” Remember the best times the laughter, the song. The good life I lived, while I was strong. Continue my heritage I am counting on you. Keep smiling, surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all how I was truly blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, do not worry about falls miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin Until the day comes when we are together again.