Franklin Arledge Highley, 88, of Austin, and formerly of Iowa Falls, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at Our House Assisted Living in Austin, under their care and the loving care of daughter, Helen.

Franklin was born on Jan. 11, 1924, to Ira Jackson and Anna Josephine (Whitesell) Highley on the family home east of Iowa Falls, Iowa. He attended the Iowa Falls schools and graduated with the class of 1943.

Franklin served his country with the 91st Division, 346th Field Artillery, Division Headquarters Battery as a Communications Telephone Field Lineman. He served in North Africa and Italy and received the Bronze Star award with two other soldiers during the unit’s 249 days of sustained combat.

On Easter Sunday, April 21, 1946, Franklin was united in marriage to Betty Lucille Foust at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa. To this union three daughters were born: Linda Lou, Helen Diane, and Debra Kay.

Franklin worked for Iowa Electric Light and Power as an electric meterman for 41 years retiring at 60 years on June 30, 1984. He served as a volunteer fireman with the Iowa Falls Fire Department for many years. He was a member of Hyman-Peavey American Legion Post 188, Iowa Falls and with the Legion’s Honor Guard.

He enjoyed family, friends, fishing, golfing, gardening, and traveling down the road. He was famous for his sweet pickles.

Franklin is survived by his daughters: Linda Hayne, Waukee, Iowa, Helen (Randall) Mickelson, Austin, Debra (Donald) Kemp, Urbandale, Iowa; seven grandchildren; four step grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; his 102-year-old sister: Anabel Ostheimer, Iowa Falls; and many loved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father: Ira Highley; his mother and step-father: Anna and Cady Bacon; his wife: Betty Highley; a son-in-law: Jeffrey Eaton; and his sisters: Dorothy Bump and Virginia Thompson.

Funeral services for Franklin will be 1 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2012, at the Linn’s Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls, Iowa. A time of visitation will be from 11 a.m. to service time also Thursday at the Linn’s Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery, Dows, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the family c/o Linda Hayne, 1311 SE University Avenue, No. 204, Waukee, Iowa 50263. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.