Franklin Delano O’Steen, 80, of Alachua, passed away September 30, 2020 in Alachua, Florida.
A graveside viewing and funeral service will be held at Elzey Chapel Cemetery in Worthington Springs, FL. on October 10, 2020. The viewing will begin at 10:00 AM and the service will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Ray Keen of Connect Church officiating.
Franklin was born in Trenton, FL to the late William Fields and Leona Addie O’Steen on June 2, 1940. As a young man he earned a place on Tom’s Presidential Round Table while working for Tom’s Food’s Inc. He served as a member of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse for over 20 years, and rounded out his career as the longtime Foreman of Future Tree’s Nursery.
Franklin loved watching wildlife, fishing, a good meal and most of all spending time with family and friends. He was a founding board member of Hart 2 Hart Christian Academy and was incredibly proud of the organization’s accomplishments.
Franklin is preceded in death by his stepson, Charles Dale Riddle, Jr., brothers, William Marvin O’Steen, James Arthur O’Steen, and his three sisters Mazzie Hall, Bessie Grantham, and Rose Lee Yarghn.
Franklin is survived by his best friend, Linda O’Steen of Lake City, daughter Dallas Hart (David) of Lake City, stepdaughter Kimerly Ann Riddle of Land O’Lakes, stepson Johnny Lee Bond of Chiefland, brother, SJ O’Steen (Tiny) of Starke, grandchildren, Dawson, Dylan, and Dalton Hart of Lake City, Edwin Hayes Foster and Kent Andrew Riddle of Land O’Lakes, Skylynn Bond of Interlachen, niece, Brenda Hulsey (Jerry) of Starke, nephew, James O’Steen (Angie) of Starke, nephew, Ray Yarghn (Elaine) of Live Oak and many other relatives and long term friends.
