William Franklin “Frank” McMullen, 95, of Quincy, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 4:03 a.m. at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL.
Frank was born on July 23, 1929 in Quincy, IL to William Franklin McMullen Sr. and Bertha (Shanahan) McMullen. He married Mary M. Robinson on October 27, 1945 in Shelbina, MO. Mary predeceased him on August 6, 2005. He later married Edna Fligger on January 9, 2008 in Harligen, TX. Edna predeceased him on August 4, 2024.
Frank’s life was one of service and commitment. After graduating from Christian Brothers, he served his country honorably in the United States Navy. His commitment to community and fellowship was evident in his active involvement with the High Twelve, Bodley Lodge #1, Quincy Consistory, Ansar Temple Quincy Shrine Club, Elks Lodge 100, and American Legion Post #37. Frank’s spirit of volunteerism was evident as he dedicated his time to Blessing Hospital, Blessing Hospice, and Valley Baptist Hospital in Texas. Professionally, Frank Schaffner was with Burlington Northern, where he worked for 44 years before retiring in 1991.
Frank’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. An avid golfer, he shared his love of the game with his grandchildren, teaching them to play and giving them their first set of clubs. He also enjoyed playing tennis, doing crossword puzzles, and playing card games such as pinochle and pitch. His daily 5-mile bike rides to work were a testament to his love of the outdoors and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. An arts fan, Frank frequently attended the opera and symphonies and civic center plays in Quincy, Knoxville, and Texas. His support for the Chicago Cubs was unwavering, and he enjoyed every opportunity to cheer on his favorite team.
Above all, Frank was a devoted family man. When Mary suffered a stroke at age 42, he took on the role of caregiver and became an excellent cook, making sure his family was well taken care of. His love and devotion to his family were the cornerstones of his life. He leaves behind a loving family, including his four daughters, Sandra Kroeger (Ed), Jeanette Mock (Ronald), Jean Clow (Robert), and Mary Jo Smith (Homer). Frank was a proud grandfather of twenty-one grandchildren, forty-nine great-grandchildren, and fifty-five great-great-grandchildren who will carry on his legacy of kindness and strength.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his two wives, Mary and Edna; a daughter, Julie Goehl; three sisters, Dorothy McMullen, Alice Harris and Mary Hayes; three brothers, Richard McMullen, Robert McMullen and Jim McMullen; a granddaughter, Delana Timbrook; two grandchildren, James Osborne and Joey Goehl; two great-grandchildren, David Mock and Christopher Goehl; and two granddaughters-in-law, Patti Goehl and Kellie Voepel.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Frank’s life. The wake will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. The Bodley Lodge will conduct a Masonic service at 10:45 a.m. A memorial service will immediately follow on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Pastor Rusty Schultz will officiate. Burial will follow at Quincy Memorial Park in Quincy, IL. The American Legion Post #37 and the United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail will render all military honors.
Pallbearers include Jerry Voepel, Shane Timbrook, Joshua Timbrook, Hans Smith, Homer F. Smith and Chris Warning.
Volunteer pallbearers are Ed Kroeger, Homer Smith, Ronald Mock, Robert Clow, Jeff Mock, Kevin Graham and Joshua Graham.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences and video tributes can be shared at www.ODonnellCookson.com.
