Frank A. Neely
June 26, 1933 ~ February 14, 2015
Frank A Neely, age 81, of New Braunfels, was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 14, 2015 with his family by his bedside. He was born on June 26, 1933 in Beaumont, Texas to the late John A. and Kathryn Neely.
Frank was a 1951 graduate of Thomas Edison High School in San Antonio. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Navy. He served for four years during the Korean War aboard the USS Ulvert M. Moore as a Quarter Master. After his tour in the Navy, he found his life and passion in the Convention and Trade Show business. Frank's greatest accomplishment was his 50 year plus relationship with The Future Farmers of America and Tom Maynard. They gave him an honorary lifetime membership in 2008 in Lubbock, TX. Another long contract was with the popular Wurstfest Festival for some 35 plus years. It seemed only natural that he would decorate for this great German celebration since he was a lifetime resident. Frank was a long time member and deacon of Good News Fellowship Church in Seguin.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Callie, of 47 years; children, Jack Devaney and his wife Sylvia, Sherrie Wagner and her husband Joseph, Eugene Cox and his wife Karen, Joe Shelby Neely, Sr. and his wife Angela, Bryan Cox and his wife April, and Casey Neely and his wife Bri-Anna. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Frank was a caring, loving husband and a great father. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. His wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of life service is scheduled for 2:00pm on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Good News Fellowship Church, 1123 B&B Rd in Seguin.
I am sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was a good friend and had a heart of gold bigger than Texas! My condolences to his family. Sincerely, Robert
Frank had decorated every Texas FFA convention since 1958. He was a faithful partner, part of our convention team and a trusted friend of our students. He worked tirelessly with a servants heart, took ownership of every event and relentlessly pursued excellence on our behalf. Frank was an iconic figure in the decorating business and was well known and respected in every convention venue. He probably had at least one story to tell about every venue! His friendship extended beyond our professional relationship. He was a loyal, dear friend.
SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF FRANK HE WAS A GOOD MAN TO CALLIE AND CASEY.HE WILL BE SURELY MISSED BY TYLER AND THE MARTIN FAMILY THOUGHTS AND PAYERS TO EVERYONE
Thank you Frank. You were always a good friend and mentor. I learned a lot from you about the tradeshow business. The one thing I will always remember, “Be professional at what you do and follow through.”
We are so saddened by Frank’s passing. Frank was a great colleague and friend to the SES team. Frank was a staple in the tradeshow industry and will be missed industry wide by the many people he touched. His kindness and understanding will not be forgotten. We as his work family send all of our prayers and condolences. We will miss you Frank. You leave a space that can never be filled.
Godspeed to “The Decorator”. Thank you for your years of faithful dedication to helping the Baptist General Convention of Texas be the best we could be. I will always cherish your friendship and miss your warm handshake and greeting.
I worked with Frank for 12 years as the former director of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. I managed the Business Trade Show that was held annually at the Civic Center. Frank was honest, reliable, professional and fair to his clients and those that worked for him. He loved living in Comal County. If he was in town on another project and had time, he’d stop by the Chamber to say hello. My sympathy to your family in the loss of Frank.
Frank worked with me for more than 35 years on the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching. He was a good man who took a lot of pride in his work. I depended on him to put together a first-class exhibition, and he never failed to do that. Rest in peace, Frank.
Frank handled the exhibits at the state science teaching convention for 35+ years. We would like to talk to member(s) of the family regarding the creation of an award in Frank’s name to be presented annually at our meeting. His friend, Virginia Woods, and myself created an obituary that will appear in the next issue of our organization’s newsletter. If anyone is interested I can email the tribute to them. frank.butcher@comcast.net