Mark Eugene Franklin,

Mark E. Franklin, age 48 passed away atCatawbaValleyMedicalCenter, Friday, April 29, 2011 following a lengthy illness.  He was born in Catawba County March 28, 1963 to Homer and Linda H. Franklin.  Mark had worked in the Furniture Industry for 25 years, but his passion since childhood was music.  He was an avid drummer and musician.  He had attendedWaysideBaptistChurch.  He is preceded in death my his father  Homer Haywood Franklin.  Those left to cherish his memory are his wife  Diana Teague Franklin; his mother Linda Franklin.  2 brothers; Steven Franklin and fiancee Sandra Fox ofTaylorsville, and Keith Franklin and fiancee Alice Boston of Vale.  1 daughter; Shanae Franklin and fiancee Travis Finley of SawMills.  1 son Dakota Franklin and 1 daughter Alexa Franklin of Vale.  He also has 3 stepdaughters; Tina Williams and husband Raymond, Whitney Sturgill and husband Anthony, and Tabitha Pennell and fiancee Owen Turman all ofTaylorsville.  3 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.  Funeral Services will be Monday, May 2, 11 am at the Alexander Funeral Service Chapel.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Rev. Sammy Kiser will officiate. Burial will follow atWoodlawnMemorial ParkinHickory. Alexander Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements.