Leroy N. "Johnny" Franklin, 78, of rural Delphi, passed away peacefully, Saturday-November 27, 2021 at 7:38am, at IU Health White Memorial Hospital in Monticello, after an extended illness. He was born January 7, 1943 in Pittsburg, to the late Harold & Thelma Richardson Franklin. His marriage was to Marjorie A. "Marge" Liebert in Monticello, on May 21, 1966, and she survives. They were married for 55 years. Johnny attended Pittsburg Elementary School, and graduated from Delphi High School in 1961, where he excelled at basketball. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1961 to his honorable discharge in 1965. After his service, Johnny worked for years operating heavy equipment for Carroll County, his own company, Franklin Excavating, and Purdue University. He and his wife also owned and operated Sam's Fish House in Pittsburg for 10 years. He was a charter member of the Delphi VFW #9383, and a 55-year member of the Delphi American Legion Post 75. He also belonged to the Monticello Am Vets #91, and the Eagles Lodge #4523 in Moore Haven, FL. Johnny enjoyed fishing on the Wabash River, and Lake Okeechobee in central FL. He was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan and enjoyed watching all kinds of auto racing. He dearly loved his family, and spending time with them. Surviving: wife: Marge Franklin of Delphi; sons-John Franklin of Pittsburg, and Matt & Murri Franklin of Chesterton; his grandchildren: Riley, Sailor, & Toby Franklin; sister-Connie Elliott of Sewell, NJ. A graveside service will be held on Saturday-December 11 at 2:00pm at IOOF Memorial Gardens, Pittsburg, with the Carroll County Honor Guard providing military honors. American Legion Chaplain officiating. Immediately following his service, the family will receive friends to celebrate Johnny's life at the Delphi American Legion Hall in Pittsburg. Please join them to share a story, a laugh, and refreshments. To send the family an online condolence or view his obit, please visit: http://www.abbottfuneralhome.com