Rev. Ralph E. Stocklin

Rev. Ralph E. Stocklin, 92, of Franklin went to be with God and his loved ones Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Franklin United Methodist Community. Born March 18, 1919 in Orange County, Indiana, he was the son of John and Delsie (Young) Stocklin. He married Norma June Barnhill on May 17, 1943, and she preceded him in death on August 19, 2002. Survivors include his sons, David (wife, Susan) Stocklin of Franklin and Sam (wife, Glenna) Stocklin of Shelbyville; sisters, Marjorie M. Smith and Mary McNabb, both of Fairland, and Margaret Weaver of Shelbyville; brother, Raymond Stocklin of Waldron; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Janette Young; brothers, Roy Stocklin and Robert Stocklin; and great-great-grandson, Matthew Maple. In 1966, the Rev. Stocklin and his wife helped found the Evangelical Methodist Church in Franklin, which later became Trinity Lighthouse, where he was a member and the minister until retiring in 2002. He had previously been a cement finisher and helped build Market Square Arena and the Bank One and American United Life buildings. After retiring, he worked at Rhoades True Value in Franklin. He attended school in Homer. Rev. Stocklin was an avid song writer and was best known for his song "Move Over Angels." Visitation will be from 2 to 6 pm, Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison Street in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 11 am, Monday, December 19, 2011 at the funeral home, with Rev. James A. Coulston officiating. Interment will be in Boggstown Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, Attention: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301. Online condolences may be shared at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.