Mr. Ralph Albert Franklin, 86, of Troy, Ill., born July 10, 1929, in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at his home, with his loving family by his side.

Ralph was a building contractor and a business owner for 65 years in the Collinsville-Belleville area. He was an optimistic, unique and creative man who appreciated God's gift of nature, and building toys and games for his children. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with his large family enjoying life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lela, nee Bond, Franklin; brother, James Franklin; and sister, Joyce Cleveland.

Surviving are his cherished wife of 65 years, Joyce Ann, nee Runnalls, Franklin; his sons, Ralph (Susan) Franklin of Republic, Mo., Randall (Vicki) Franklin of Ashland, Va., Scott (Belinda) Franklin of Edwardsville, Ill., Bruce (Kristi) Franklin of Riverton, Ill., Craig (Mary) Franklin of Bloomington, Minn.; and his daughters, Karen (Tom) Leyden of Columbia, Mo., Yvonne (Paul) Schutz of Edwardsville, Ill., Cheryl (Robert) Garcia of Edwardsville, Ill., Andrea (William) Shaw of Troy, Ill., and Deborah Eck of Edwardsville, Ill.

Proud grandfather of Jennifer Singleton, Tom Leyden, Michael Leyden, Jamie Havicon, Joshua Schutz, Stacy Cann, Caleb Franklin, Shelley McKenney, Emily Middleton, Anthony Vullo, Nicholas Vullo, Adam Shaw, Eric Shaw, Scott Franklin Jr., Stefanie Franklin, Bruce Franklin Jr., Adam Franklin, Rebecca Lairson, William Eck, Andrea Franklin and Joanna Franklin. Ralph was also blessed with many great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and friends. He is also survived by his Uncle Gene Franklin.

Online condolences are available at www.herrfuneral.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, at Sunset Hills Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Dr., Glen Carbon, Ill.

Funeral: Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, at the funeral home with Rev. John Shank officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, Ill.