Michael Eugene ‘Gene’ Franklin

Posted on December 1, 2021

It is with a heavy heart that the Perry Police Department (PPD) has the unfortunate responsibility of informing everyone that we have suffered a loss in our law enforcement family.

In the early morning hours of Nov. 23,2021, Captain Michael Eugene “Gene” Franklin passed away after a brief illness.

Captain Franklin has been a member of the Perry Police Department for 27 years, serving in many capacities and roles.

Gene, as he was called by his friends, family and the Perry/Taylor community, had been an integral part of the operations of the PPD, serving as the Operations Commander.

He started his law enforcement career with the PPD as a patrol officer working his way through the agency promoting to the positions of patrol sergeant, detective, chief detective and, ultimately, reaching the rank of captain. The title of captain does not do justice to the role he actually filled at the time of his passing. He was the assistant chief of police, and we honor him in saying his guidance, honor and faithful service will be forever missed.

He is preceded in death by his father, Brady Franklin.

He is survived by: his mother, Fannie Franklin; his sons, Michael Franklin and his wife, Becky, and Joseph Franklin; two grandchildren, Hayden and Bradley Franklin; his former spouse, Lori Franklin; his significant other, Gina Deeson; her children, Catlin and Aaron Deeson; and her three grandchildren, Wesley, Faith and Victoria; along with many brothers and sisters in Blue.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church with Brother Steve Fox officiating. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, at Calvary Baptist Church.

Burns Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.