Franklin P. Beatty, Jr.

MILTON- Franklin "Red" P. Beatty, Jr., 90, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2008 at the Valley View Medical Center in Montoursville, PA. Born on October 7, 1918 in Milton, he was the son of the late Ida Mae and Franklin P. Beatty, Sr. Franklin was a lifelong resident of Milton where he and his departed wife Pauline M. (Deaner) Beatty, who passed away in March of 1992, lived. He worked at and then became owner of the former Beatty Plumbing and Heating on old Bound Avenue from 1938 to 1982. Franklin served in the U. S. Navy during The Second World War as a "Sea Bee" (construction engineer) on Okinawa. He is a 32nd degree Mason of The Valley of Williamsport Consistory and The Blue Lodge of Milton #256, having been a member for over 50 years in both. Franklin was a long time volunteer firefighter of The Goodwill Hose Company and The Miltonian Fire Company. He had been an Elder in The First Presbyterian Church of Milton, and was an active member of The Trinity Lutheran Church prior to his failing health. Franklin was a Scoutmaster, Explorer Advisor member of the previous Netami District, and the Camping Committee of The Susquehanna Valley Area Council of The Boy Scouts of America. He was a Vigil Honor member of the Wapsu Achtu Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, and had been a past President and a Director of the Milton AARP. Franklin was an avid hunter, fisherman, and bowler. He also enjoyed pinochle, gardening, and the outdoors. Franklin is survived by his son Franklin (Hank) P. Beatty III, his wife Roxanne C. Beatty of Liberty, PA, and her children Julie and Seth, his grandson Mark T. Beatty and wife Karen and their children Grey and Gavin of Harrisburg, PA, granddaughters: Holly A. Lehman and husband Jake, and their children Elle and Ethan of Carlisle, PA, and Kelly E. Holland and husband Lou of Chambersburg, PA, along with several nieces and nephews. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Pauline, his brother John R. Beatty, and sisters Anna Mae Beatty and Margaret Yerg. Family and friends are welcome to gather from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at the Dale E. Ranck Funeral Service, Inc. 125 North Front Street Milton, PA. A Masonic service will be given at 12:45 by the Milton Lodge # 256 of Free and Accepted Masons. The funeral service to honor Franklin's life will be held at 1:00 PM at the funeral home with his pastor, Reverend Cheryl Berner, officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service in Harmony. A grateful "Thank You" is extended to Theresa Walter and other friends of The Rockwell Center for their love and care given during the last years of Franklin's life, and also to the Valley View Nursing Center staff and Drs. Bresticker, Nesbit and Thein. Memorial contributions may be given in Franklin's name to the American Heart Association, 1019 Mumma Road Wormleysburg, PA 17041, or to the American Cancer Society, 1948 East 3rd Street Williamsport, PA 17701, or to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 Mahoning Street Milton, PA 17848.