Beth Franklin, the wife of late Alton “Red,” was a very supportive partner throughout his coaching career.
Alton “Red” Franklin, born on May 1, 1935, was a legendary high school coach in Louisiana. He was known for his remarkable career at Haynesville High School.
He led the Haynesville Golden Tornado to 11 state championships and four runner-up finishes during his 35-year tenure.
His teams were highly successful, achieving a 366-76-8 overall record. He also earned the title of District Coach of the Year 23 times.
Tragically, he passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age of 89. However, the specific cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Alton “Red” Franklin And His Wife, Beth, Shared 64 Years Of a Happy Marriage Together, Before His Tragic Demise!
Alton is married to his sweetheart, Beth Franklin, a native of Haynesville, Louisiana. They shared a happy marriage, celebrating their 64th anniversary together.
The couple met in their hometown of Haynesville, Louisiana, and eventually got married on December, 24,1961.
Together, they had a family that included their children: Jeff, David, and Tommy.
Their son, David Franklin, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a coach.
He has coached various sports teams and made significant contributions to the sports community.
Moreover, David has children of his own, including Trent, Erin, and a budding superstar named Toby.
On the other hand, another son, Jeff, has been known for his dedication to the community and involvement in various local activities.
As per his Facebook bio, Jeff is the chief of fire at Sarepta Fire District 5 and a Deputy Coroner Investigator at Webster Parish Coroner’s Office.
He is married to Sheila Pittman Franklin, and together they have three kids.
Like his brother David, Tommy Franklin has pursued a career in coaching and has made significant contributions to the sports community.
The Franklin family has a strong bond, often spends time together, and has been deeply involved in the Haynesville community.
The Community Is Mourning The Loss Of Alton And Pouring Out Heartfelt Tributes in His Honor!
Hunter Bower from Haynesville Golden Tornado Football expressed his deep sorrow over Coach Alton’s passing, remarking, ‘The Town of Haynesville has truly lost a legend.’
He stated:
Alton “Red” Franklin, the iconic head coach who transformed the Haynesville Golden Tornado into a Louisiana high school football dynasty, passed away, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence…
His family shared their profound loss on social media, expressing hope for his celebration in the afterlife.
Jeff Franklin, Alton’s son, shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook. He expressed the family’s deep sorrow and mentioned,
Please keep our mom, Beth and our entire family in your thought and prayers as we prepare for the next few days. Funeral services will be announced later this week when those plans are complete.
His legacy of excellence and mentorship will continue to inspire future generations.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Alton Franklin’s family, friends, and admirers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Franklin led Haynesville High School to 11 state championships during his 35-year tenure.
- He was inducted into the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and Louisiana High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991, the Louisiana Christian University Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
