William Henry Franklin ’31

William H. Franklin, called the "financial brain of Caterpillar, Inc.," died in his sleep at a nursing home in Peoria, Ill., Sept. 14, 1995.

He was born in Chicago and prepared at Exeter. He came to Princeton, where he wrote short stories, enjoyed golf, and belonged to Tower Club.

He studied accounting at the Univ. of Illinois and became a CPA in 1934. He joined Price Waterhouse and had as a client Caterpillar Tractor. He joined Caterpillar in 1941 as assistant controller, then held various positions as he climbed the ranks, including controller, executive v.p., and president. He became CEO in 1972. He retired in 1975 but remained on the board for six more years.

A far-sighted strategist, he foresaw 10 years ahead the challenge of Japan's Komatsu to Caterpillar's number-one spot. Thanks to investing in new products and new factories during Bill's reign, Caterpillar made a successful comeback several years later.

He served on several association boards and was a member of various clubs, including the Princeton Club of N.Y.C.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, two sons, William Henry Jr. and Robert, two daughters, Ann and Mary Jo, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. To them all, Bill's friends and classmates extend sincere sympathy for their loss.

The Class of 1931