Eunice Merle Touchstone Franklin

(December 6, 1928 ~ November 24, 2009)

Merle, daughter of Samuel Iris Touchstone and Edna Ann Davis, married to Donald Wilbert Franklin and buried in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Dimmitt, Castro County, Texas.

MERLE T. FRANKLIN, was born December 6, 1928 in Tuscola Texas and died November 24, 2009 in Houston. She is preceded in death by parents, Edna and Iris Touchstone; husband, Don W. Franklin; and sister, Maxine T. Childers.

Merle and Don traveled the world playing the greatest golf courses, as they both loved the game. She belonged to Braeburn Country Club and was club champion thirteen times. The WGA Merle Franklin Golf Championship was established in 2008. Merle proudly presented trophies to Louann Gallagher the first year and to Betty Ghio on October of this year.

Merle is survived by Don's daughter and son-in-law, Sandi and John Pleune of Mandeville, Louisiana; two grandsons, Scott and Rusty, and two great-grandchildren; brother, Jay Lee Touchstone; brother and sister-in-law, Betty and Truman Touchstone of Dimmitt Texas; a niece, four nephews, numerous aunts, cousins and a host of friends.

There will be a celebration in her home on Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. to remember her love of life, love of golf and her sense of humor.Her roots were always in West Texas and at her request she will return to the farm in Dimmitt.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Merle's memory be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Nov. 25, 2009.