Franklin Millard Clingan

Franklin Millard Clingan, passed away on Saturday December 3, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City. He was 84.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 9, 2016 at Behner Funeral Home, Fairfield, IA. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at First Christian Church with Pastor Dianne Brokken officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials can be made to First Christian Church, Fairfield, IA.

He was born October 23, 1932 in rural Ollie, Iowa to George and Gladys Bottger Clingan, the seventh of eight children. His family moved to Jefferson County in 1936. Franklin joined the Air Force and honorably served his country as a Staff Sergeant, during the Korean War from 1953-1957. He was stationed in Japan where he worked on B-47 jet bombers. Upon his return home, he married Sandra Bonnett on December, 11, 1960 and to this union, raised 5 children. Together with his wife, Franklin lived out his passion of being a lifelong farmer. He farmed, raised livestock, and was a sheep buyer for over 50 years. He attended the First Christian Church, and was a member of Farm Bureau and Heritage Club.

Franklin is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra and their 5 children: Deanna (Clint) Clingan-Fischer, Ankeny, IA; Kevin (Darcie) Clingan, Fairfield, IA; Pamela (Ron) Hoag, Omaha, NE; Paula (Larry) Angstead, Fairfield, IA; and Scott (Brooke) Clingan, Ankeny, IA. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Alex and Austin Fischer; Kyle (Lauren) Clingan, Kolby (Brad) Freeman, Kasey Clingan, Paige Clingan, Knox Clingan; Nicholas, Lindsay, and Lauren Hoag; Allison, Logan, Natalie, and Brody Angstead; and Samantha Clingan. Step-grandchildren: Kelsey, Nik, and Alyssa Fitch. Proud great grandpa to Parker, Peyton and Canaan Freeman.

Also surviving are siblings: Arlene Bess, Davenport, IA; Dean Clingan, Farson, IA; Dale (Jackie) Clingan of Tiffin IA; sisters-in-law Joan Clingan, Evelyn Clingan, Glenda (Don) Wells, Beverly (Shorty) Benge, Janet (Mike, deceased) Bonnett, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gladys Clingan and siblings Charles Clingan, Omer Clingan, Maxine Randall, and Betty Coffin.

Franklin was a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He thoroughly loved his family, being a farmer, and working with livestock. He was happiest seated in the combine during harvest. Franklin had a heart of gold and loved to tell jokes. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, most recently visiting Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, Panama, the Caribbean, and Washington, D.C. He loved sports, especially Iowa Hawkeye basketball and football as well as the Chicago Bears. He was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan and was thrilled to see his Cubbies win the World Series. Franklin and Sandra’s devotion to one another and their family never wavered during their 56 wonderful years of marriage. He has left a big hole in our lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences can be made to the family at behnerfh.com