Franklin G. Brown

Franklin G. Brown,76, of Shapleigh, died September 6 at the Goodall Hospital in Sanford after a long illness.He was born in Alfred on November 5, 1933, a son of Charles W. and Gertrude (Lockhart) Brown, Sr. He was educated at Lincoln School, Hamlin School and was a 1952 graduate of Sanford High School.After high school, Franklin enlisted in the US Navy and attended flight school in Norman, OK. He served as a Navy Air Mechanic stationed in Florida, Alabama and the aircraft carrier USS Bennington during the Korean Conflict.Discharged in 1956, he went to work at Colonial Aircraft and the family business, C. W. Brown and Sons Lumber Co. He also graduated from Commercial Trades Institute of Chicago, IL and earned his construction license while living in Salt Lake City, UT, becoming a contractor. More recently he worked at Springvale Hardware for over 20 years where he became known as "Mr. Fixit" repairing lawn mowers, small engines, screen, lamps, appliances, you name it.Franklin was a member of the Sanford Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.He was a former member of the Springvale Fire Department, retiring in 1967 as Captain of Ladder Trucks #3 and #4. He was a member of the Springvale Social Club and a past trustee of Sanford Institution for Savings. An accomplished artist and woodworker, his art work has been shown in a gallery in Kennebunk. He was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, Charles, David and Merrill, a sister, Gertrude Cheney and by a son Jeffrey Franklin Brown.Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Wanda (Spring) Brown of Shapleigh, a son Mike Brown of Salt Lake City, UT, a son Dave A. Goodwin of Sanford, 5 daughters, Rebecca Schmidt and her husband Paul of Clearville, PA, Judith Burnett of Sanford, Constance Wayne of Sanford, Amy Brown of Portland, Audry Taylor of Shapleigh, a sister, Gladys Roberts of Alfred, sisters-in-law Claire Osburn of Florida, Marjorie Brown of Sanford, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.A graveside service will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at Riverside Cemetery in Springvale. Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Homehealth Visiting Nurses, 15 Industrial Park Road, Saco, ME 04072-9981 or RiverRidge Center, 3 Brazier Lane, Kennebunk, ME 04043. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.