Mike Franklin

Michael S. “Mike” Franklin, 58, of Mooresville, left this world on Friday, January 16, 2026, while in the care of Franciscan Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born In Indianapolis on November 15, 1967, to Michael Stephen and Bonnie Irene (Franklin) Pope. Growing up in Mooresville, Mike was one of seven children. Attending Mooresville High School, and excelling in athletics, he was on the wrestling team and the football team. Popular yet shy, he was one of the cool kids. After graduating with the class of 1986, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army National Guard, serving as a medic. A jack of all trades, Mike worked at Newman Recycling, and was a truck driver for brief period, but his passion was turning wrenches as a self-employed mechanic. His ability to fix anything (a trait he learned from his father), was unsurpassed. The father of four amazing kids, Mike, shared his love of fishing, boating, riding quads and dirt bikes, as well as teaching them how to work on small engines and cars. In the summer, he would craft a slip and slide for them to cool down in the summer heat. A grill master, he could make a mouthwatering steak that the kids loved to chow down on. He reveled in nature, regularly taking walks in the woods, absorbing the peacefulness that only the great outdoors gave him. He cherished gardening and was most proud to grow his own vegetables. Resilient, strong willed, and usually stubborn, Mike was truly a very intellectual and talented man. He was creative, artistic, witty, and possessed a dark sense of humor that brought smiles to those he knew and loved. Artistic at heart, he had the ability to create works of art from random pieces of scrap metal. Gone entirely too soon from this life, Mike will be forever loved and missed. Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie (Franklin) Pope, and brother, Stacey Terry. He leaves behind his father, Mike Franklin (Brenda) of Mooresville; stepfather, Don Pope of Mooresville; children, Aleena Franklin of Martinsville, Mitchel Franklin of Bloomington, Sherah Franklin of Plainfield, and Jesse Franklin of Camby; siblings, Shay O’Dell of Camby, Mandi Grogan of Mooresville, Shelly Furuness (Bryan) of Indianapolis, Scott Terry of Mooresville, Dustin Franklin (Trisha) of Mooresville; stepbrother, Doug Pope (Polly) of Camby, and Greg Pope (Deb) of Indianapolis; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather on Saturday, January 24, from 11:00 a.m. until Military Honors beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to help the family offset final expenses by mailing c/o Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, 585 E. Main Street, Monrovia, IN 46157, or online at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4SGEGG6EZQAU8. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or to light a candle in Mike’s memory, please visit www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Mike Franklin

November 15, 1967 - January 16, 2026