Franklin McNeely

Franklin T. McNeely, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, at Ratliff Care Center.

He was born Nov. 28, 1921, in Cape Girardeau, son of Paul Byron and Grace Margaret Masterson McNeely. He and Juanita Heard were married Jan. 21, 1942, in Cape Girardeau.

McNeely served in the U.S. Army from Sept. 17, 1942, to Oct. 14, 1945. He was a prisoner of war during World War II. He received the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

He was a truck driver for ABF more than 30 years. McNeely was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, president of transportation for Senior Citizens Organization and also transported for Ford Groves several years.

Survivors include his wife, Juanita McNeely of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Joyce Parker of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Paul McNeely of Kirkwood, Mo.; and a sister, Margaret Bunting of Greenville, Ill.

Also a granddaughter, Susan DelosSantos of Glendale, Ariz.; two grandsons, David Parker of Denver, Robert Parker of Cape Girardeau; 14 great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Derrick, Jovana, Raquel, Mocha, Emma, Tazia, and Noah DelosSantos, and Megan, Mary Ella, Emily, Sonora, Chase and Chloe Parker.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7.

Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. David Hulshof officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery with full military honors provided by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to Meals On Wheels or the Missouri Veterans Home.