Theodore C Franklin

Theodore Clarence Franklin, 73 of South Bend, Indiana, was born on August 17, 1946 in South Bend to the union of Jesse Sr., and Allean Franklin; they both preceded him in death. He grew up on the Southside and attended Oliver and Central Schools.

Theodore had a profound love for his family and his deep admiration for his late brother, Arthur (Big Pods) resulted in Theodore calling himself Lil Pods. The name stuck and he quickly became known as Pods.

Pods loved music and was a talented singer. In 1963 Pods along with his good friend, Thomas, started the Inco’s. The Inco’s went from singing doo-whop on the street corners to traveling the country singing. An especially proud moment for Pods happened in 1968 when the Inco’s traveled to Germany and sang for U.S, Troops stationed there. Pods loved spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed cooking and doing car repairs.

On Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 11:15 a.m., following a brief illness, Pods passed away in Beacon Memorial Hospital.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his daughter and three grandchildren; a special sister, Valarie Franklin of Indianapolis; special nieces, Becky Franklin, and Jackie Jones along with a hots of nephews and nieces and other relatives. He also leaves be-hind close friends Glenda Emerson, Thomas Henderson who checked on him daily, Terrence "T-Mac" McMorris (of Inco’s) Johnny "JD" Davis (of Inco’s), Sam Stalling, Willie Jenkins, Russell Coleman, Earl Paden, Jay Prince and A.D. and Forestine Jackson (affectionately known as his cooks).

Along with his parents, Pods was also preceded in death by one sister, Gladys McKinney and three brothers, Jesse Franklin, Jr., Whitman Franklin and Arthur Franklin; former Inco’s members, Clarence Brown, Jr., Jackie Pittman, and Richard Green.

Pods was loved and cherished by many. He will be remembered most for sitting outside listening to mu-sic while smoking up the streets from the scent of his barbeque on his monster sized signature grill. We will forever see his spirit sitting and waving, and smiling at all who drove by.

OBITUARY

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