OpinionNovember 19, 2015

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...

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.

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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.

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