Dale Martin Franklin, 88, of Jamestown, passed away August 9, 2021 at Jamestown Health and Rehab with his loving family at his side. On May 23, 1933, Marjorie St John Franklin and G. Bernard Franklin were blessed with identical twins, Dale Martin and Gale Milton, establishing them for life as the Franklin brothers or Franklin twins. After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1951 Dale and his brother began farming the family farm which they still manage to this day. The farm established in 1914 was recognized as an Ohio Century Farm.

In addition to farming, Dale had a love of sports, especially the Reds, Browns and the Buckeyes. He played baseball, and basketball, and was invited to try out for the St Louis Browns baseball franchise. He also officiated basketball for many years in the Miami Valley area, and raised and raced Standardbred horses on the home farm.

In 1956 He joined the US Army and was stationed at FT Lewis Washington. After serving his country he returned to the farm in 1958. Dale married Nancy Mathews on May 6, 1961 and she proceeded him in death on January 19, 2014 after 52 years.

Leaving behind to celebrate and honor his life are daughters, Mindy (Tim) Boeck, Cedarville, Missy Franklin, granddaughter, Samantha Boeck, a brother, Gale (Sharon) Franklin, cousins Jack (Janet) Franklin, and Jim Thompson, all of Jamestown.

The family would like to thank Jessica and Amanda of the Kettering Home Health Network, and the staff of Jamestown Health and Rehab, and the wonderful team from Day City Hospice for their care and support.

Dale was known as a good honest man and an excellent steward of the land which he farmed so the next generation of farmers would be successful.

Services will be held Friday August 13th at 10:00 AM at Neeld Funeral Home, 1276 N. Detroit St., Xenia, with Pastor Keith Little officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Silvercreek Township Cemetery, Jamestown. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Day City Hospice, 8039 Washington Village Dr., Dayton, OH, 45458, in his memory. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com