Franklin Rockwell

Franklin "Rocky" D. Rockwell, 89, the only child of Hazel (Garrett) and Jay Smith Rockwell, died Feb. 5, 2007. He was born Dec. 21, 1917, in Spokane. Mr. Rockwell attended elementary and high school in Endicott. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Idaho and earned a degree in education. He made many trips to the Peninsula with his parents during his childhood, and grew to love it here. He spent many years visiting and eventually purchased a summer home. On June 19, 1941, Mr. Rockwell married Margaret Ann "Peggy" McDonald. Shortly after their marriage, his father passed away and he was left to run the family ranch and to take care of his mother. He spent most of his life as a farmer generating income to raise his family and send all four of his children to college. He was a gun safety instructor for the state of Washington for more than 25 years. He was a lifetime member of the Endicott Gun Club, where he loved to go and participate in their "turkey shoots." He donated land to the club. In June each year the club holds a Franklin Rockwell Appreciation Day as a thank you for his involvement with the club. Mr. Franklin was involved in numerous clubs and organizations. He helped found the Elks Club in Colfax and also was a founder of the Moose Lodge in Ocean Park. He was politically active in the Democratic Party. He was a friend to all and helped many people. He and his wife eventually settled on the Peninsula. Beginning in 1977 he operated a 900-head cattle ranch in Chinook. His wife Peggy died in June 1986. On Feb. 15, 1992, he married Frances Mary Whitemarsh of Nahcotta. The couple took numerous trips all over the United States. They enjoyed a cruise to Alaska and several trips to Palm Beach, Fla., and New Jersey to visit family. In December 1995, he suffered a stroke but that didn't stop them from traveling. They continued to travel by Amtrak and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Survivors include his wife Frances; his children, Claudia Luebbers of Chicago, Ill., Franklin Rockwell Jr. and wife Carol of Walnut Creek, Calif., James Rockwell and wife Kay of Spokane, and Robin Cocking and husband Tom of Colfax; stepchildren Jim Whitemarsh and wife Saling of Florida and Nancy Gregos and husband Angelo of New Jersey; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His many friends and family will miss him. A memorial service will be held on Feb. 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott.