Tryon, NC- Surrounded by the love of his wife Suzanne and his children on August 17th, Franklin Carl Basler went to be with God. Franklin's life was one of service to his God, his Country and to less fortunate people worldwide.He was born in Jackson, Michigan on August 6, 1918. His parents Carl D. Basler and Ethel Stevens, along with his brother Donnan and sister Helen Perry and his first wife Eleanore have preceded him in death.Following family tradition, Franklin attended the University of Michigan. As a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Scholastic Fraternity he was graduated in 1940 with an AB in Economics. After completion of US Army Quartermaster School he traveled extensively during World War Two purchasing supplies for our military personnel. His final assignment was that of executive officer, Base Quartermaster in Manila, Philippines. He was retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. His business career began in Chicago Illinois. He was the founder and President of the Franklin Lee furniture sales company. As a partner of Host Inc. he and his associates built the first Holiday Inn in Chicago and subsequently owned and operated two other Holiday Inns.During his Chicago years Franklin worked extensively with the Chicago Council of Churches raising funds to send underprivileged children to camp. His heart was in his volunteer activities. Being best known for co-founding Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity, he started the first Habitat Resale store nationwide and worked as a chairman and fundraiser. He also held the position of Coordinator for the Board of Advisors of Habitat International. Franklin worked for Polk County Historical Association, Tryon Rotary and Tryon Chamber of Commerce. He received many special awards including North Carolina Governors Award as Special Volunteer, Rotarian of the Year, Second Wind Hall of Fame, North Carolina Governors Award for Outstanding Service, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Plaque of Appreciation for re-establishing Polk County Heart Association.Franklin's sense of commitment and his indomitable spirit of kindness and generosity are a rich heritage for those he leaves behind- Suzanne Grate Basler, his wife of eleven years: children Franklin Basler Jr., wife Susan; Carol Downs, husband Bill; April Basler; two step-children Eric Larsen, wife Michele, Joni Bezilla, husband Brian; Grandfather to Mark and Amanda Basler, Katie and James Bezilla.A drop-in reception is planned for Saturday, September 2, 2006 from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. in the church annex parlor at the Tryon Congregational Church. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 P.M in the sanctuary.In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to any charitable organization such as Foothills Hospice, Tryon Congregational Church or Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity.McFarland Funeral ChapelTryon, NC
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