Longtime weatherman leaves behind impressive legacy

Don McNeely, the longtime weatherman for KFVS-TV, died recently at the age of 88.

A Cape Girardeau Central High School and Southeast Missouri State University alum, McNeely gave the latest weather information to the TV station's viewership. He retired in 1993 after 50 years as a broadcaster.

Mary-Ann Maloney of KFVS called her colleague "the consummate professional and gentleman." McNeely was well recognized in the area, and the "Don said it would" phrase caught on.

In addition to being a well-known television broadcaster, McNeely served in World War II, played in a band, served as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, was active in community theater productions and was a pilot.

You can read more about McNeely at semissourian.com, where photographer Fred Lynch's blog resurrected a story by former reporter Peggy Scott from 1993.

We have fond memories of watching McNeely on TV. The media industry has changed much since his career began, but McNeely had a connection with viewers. That's a big part of his legacy.

We offer our condolences to the McNeely family on the loss of a husband, father and grandfather.