Franklin Rayburn Jr.

Franklin Marion Rayburn Jr., 65, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at his home.

Frank fought the good fight, finished his course and kept the faith. "Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give him at that day."

Frank was born Sept. 29, 1943, in Detroit to loving parents Franklin and May Seabaugh Rayburn Sr. He married Judith Ann "Judy" Wilfong of Advance, Mo., on July 29, 1967. They had three daughters.

Frank committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ as a young man and walked faithfully with him all of his days. He was a committed member of Lynwood Baptist Church, where he enjoyed teaching his Sunday school class.

He leaves behind many loving friends and family members who will always remember him for his steadfast devotion to the Lord.

Frank was blessed with a precious gift from the Keith (Christa, Angela, Tony) Garavaglia family in October 2000 when he received a heart transplant. Through this wonderful gift, Frank's family and friends were blessed with eight and a half years of precious memories. Frank and his family will always be extremely grateful for this gift.

Frank was a three-sport athlete at Central High School, where he graduated in 1963. He played baseball for the Capahas even through his first years of marriage. For many years Frank coached and umpired little league baseball and then his daughters' softball teams.

He retired from Missouri State Division of Employment Services in April 2000 after 32 years of service. He enjoyed playing tennis until his health no longer allowed. He participated in the U.S. Transplant Games in Orlando, Fla., in 2002, competing in doubles tennis. His team placed second in their age division.

He was currently working part time at Howard's Athletic Goods. He also served on the Missouri State Employees Retirement System Board.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; three daughters and their families, Carla (Daniel) Wiggins, Kelly (Jeff) McCullough and Kara (David) Brummel; as well as eight grandchildren: Marcus, Zachary, Alyssa Wiggins; Jacie, Jameson McCullough; and Thad, Maeve and Myla Ruth Brummel.

He also leaves behind three sisters, Doy Loper, Betty (Raymond) Dean, Judie (Marlin) Harrison; a brother, Richard Rayburn; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

God fulfilled all of his promises to Frank, and he left this world knowing that God completed the good work he began in him. Frank will be truly missed by his family and friends. However, he was always quick to remind those he loved "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee ..." (Isaiah 26:3)

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lynwood Baptist Church.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery.

Memorials are requested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Mid-America Transplant Services, 1110 Highlands Plaza Drive East, St. Louis, MO 63110.