Frank Wilfred McNelly
January 22, 1923 ~ November 13, 2018
Frank Wilfred McNelly, 95, died Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Visitation will be from 6:00 8:00 pm, Sunday, November 18, 2018, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, Monday, November 19, 2018, at Plymouth Congregational Church. Frank was born January 22, 1923, in Burnham, Maine to Leon and Iva McNelly. In his lifetime, he was a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp as a Navigator on the B-29 and spent one year in Okinawa. He retired from DuBois Chemical to assist his wife, Lois McNelly, in her business, Emmert Interiors. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Chester McNelly and Albert McNelly; first wife of 20 years, Beatrice Herd McNelly; second wife of 45 years, Lois McNelly; and son-in-law, Ren Schultz. Frank and Lois raised his two daughters and her five children. He is survived by his brother, Elmer (Bette) McNelly of Wethersfield, CT; and his children, Janet McNelly (Paul) Wolf of Blacklick, OH, Marilyn McNelly (Kelly) Jones of Andover, KS, Judy Emmert Schultz of Randolph, KS, Jim Emmert of Wichita, KS, Janet Emmert (George) Antone of Wichita, KS, Joan Emmert (Lin) Silvertooth of New Castle, CO, Jean Emmert (Gary) Blumenthal of McLean, VA; 34 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church for 48 years and served as a Deacon. A memorial has been established with Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 North Clifton, Wichita, Kansas 67208. Many loving stories were always shared with those who knew him. His legacy will live forever!
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
So sorry for the loss of this wonderful man.Our prayers are with the family.
Rest Frank, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
I will always cherish my memories of time spent with Uncle Frank, time spent at his and Beatrices house, card games at my familys house, and memorable vacations in Maine.
From the time I met Franks oldest daughter, Janet, Frank represented what a loving father could be. Janet and I were only 13, and Frank drove us everywhere. He was the man who walked me down the aisle when I married and from that time on, he was my father. He was the one who encouraged me to go to college. I was very poor at the time, but he told me that for a minimal amount per week, I could afford to go. (At the time, that was true w/ WSU tuition of $9.25 per hour) He was a gentleman to the very end. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Grandpa was the type of person you wish everyone could know. He made each person feel uniquely special to him, and that your life was the most important thing to him in that moment. He listened affectionately to the things going on in your life and was genuinely interested to hear about your accomplishments and celebrations, that of which he would proudly tell the next person who visited. Grandpa was masterful in the way he was able to relate to you; first by listening intently, then by telling you one of his thoughtfully entertaining stories in return. He was a true gentleman; genuine, honorable, loyal, kind, and welcoming to everyone he met. His hugs and handshakes were of the warmest embrace, along with a smile and laugh that carried the day. Grandpas presence will be a permanent fixture in our lives, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on through the lives of those who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him.
Prayers and our deepest sympathy to all, Franks Family. He was a wonderful soul. Enjoy your WingsFrank.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.