Charles Alvin "Chuck" Franzman

Charles Alvin “Chuck” Franzman, 94, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, following a prolonged battle with dementia. Chuck was born on October 19, 1931, to Alvin and Helen Heneisen Franzman in Evansville, Indiana. Chuck was a farm boy at heart. He attended Michigan State University, where he met his future wife, the former Carol Fahling, an authentic farm girl. A proud member of Blue Key Honor Society, he graduated with a degree in Landscape Architecture. After graduation, he and Carol married and moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he served in the Army Corps of Engineers and they began their lifelong partnership. After his military service, Chuck and Carol moved to Marietta, and he launched his career in land planning with Harland Bartholomew and Associates in Atlanta, where he later became a partner. While at Harland Bartholomew, he also obtained a law degree from Atlanta Law School. In 1982, he co-founded Franzman/Davis and Associates, where he served as President and continued his career in land planning until his retirement. Recognized as an expert in his field, he was instrumental in planning many resorts, public parks, subdivisions, country clubs, and golfing communities throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Portugal, Scotland, England, and France. He had a long-standing relationship with Cousins Properties and was the master planner for many of their developments, including Big Canoe in Pickens County, Georgia. He developed an updated master plan for Auburn University and was instrumental in mine reclamation projects, for which he testified as an expert before both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. A 65-year resident of Marietta, he was a long-time member of Marietta First United Methodist Church, where he served on the Administrative Board and as Chairman of the Music Committee for many years. A true Renaissance man, Chuck was a private pilot, fisherman, wood turner, and lover of classical music, books, and all things in nature. Despite extensive professional travel, he never missed his daughters’ important events and instilled in them the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. A man of deep faith, integrity, and generosity, he was happiest working in his beloved “meadow,” whether mowing on his bush hog, planting daffodils, or watching wildlife in their natural habitat. He cherished his grandchildren and leaves them with memories of exploring the meadow on the golf cart and picking blackberries by the creek. Dementia robbed him of most of his memories, but he never forgot his love for his family. His greatest joys in his final years were recognizing his loved ones and holding his great-grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of over 70 years, Carol; daughters Kelley Merck and Kyle (Danny) Echols; grandchildren Tyler (Gabby) Merck, Lindsey (Coleman) Jahnke, Caroline (John) Fagan, and Connor Echols; great-grandchildren Ellis, Margot, and August Merck; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Daniel Franzman, and his son-in-law Robert Merck. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory and Gerline, Chris, and Samantha for their compassionate care over the last years. Memorial services will be private. Visitation will be held on January 25, 2026, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the parlor at Marietta First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marietta First United Methodist Church for the Park on Polk.

Charles Alvin "Chuck" Franzman

October 19, 1931 - January 10, 2026