Franklin C. Crain, 91

Franklin C. Crain, 91, passed away Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born Dec. 7, 1916, in Camden, N.J., to Charles and Florence Crain.

On April 25, 1942, he married Mildred Wolvin in Burlington, N.J. They had four children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and an infant daughter.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred, at the family home in Bigfork; and sons, Jeffery, and his daughters, Raina and Millie Rose, and son, Dalton, of Helena; Tim and his wife, Peggy, and daughter, Stefanie, of Dallas; and Eric Buck and his wife, JoAnn, of Choteau.

His long military career began in the New Jersey National Guard. He was activated into the Army Air Corps (later becoming the U.S. Air Force) and became a fighter pilot. He loved flying and disliked being behind a desk and not in the air. He retired as a colonel from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. After his retirement, he and Mildred moved to Bigfork.

He spent many hours on the shores of Flathead Lake and Flathead River gathering driftwood that he made into small decorative objects.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Bigfork QRU; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Honoring his request, there will be no services.

Arrangements are with Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.