Maj. Franklin Neal

Maj. Franklin D. Neal, 72, of Fairview Heights, Ill., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007, at his home.

Franklin earned a B.S. cum laude degree in physics and math from Southeast Missouri State University in 1973. He lived in Cape Girardeau 12 years and was a former member of Lynwood Baptist Church.

He retired as a major with the Air Force National Guard in 1983.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Bond Neal of Fairview Heights; a daughter, Sherri R. Neal of Leavenworth, Kan.; a son, David C. (Donna) Neal of Littleton, Colo.; and two grandsons, Matt and Luke Neal of Littleton.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, with the Rev. Bryan Webb officiating. Private family interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Children's Department at First Baptist Church in Fairview Heights.