William Franklin “Frank” McMullen — O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

William Franklin “Frank” McMullen, 95, of Quincy, passed away at 4:03 am Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL.

Frank was born July 23, 1929, in Quincy, IL to William Franklin McMullen Sr. and Bertha (Shanahan) McMullen. He was married to Mary M. Robinson on October 27, 1945, in Shelbina, MO. Mary preceded him in death on August 6, 2005. He was later married to Edna Fligger on January 9, 2008, in Harligen, TX. Edna preceded him in death on August 4, 2024.

Frank’s life was one of service and commitment. After graduating from Christian Brothers, he honorably served his country in the United States Navy. His dedication to community and fellowship was evident through his active involvement in the High Twelve, the Bodley Lodge #1, the Quincy Consistory, Ansar Temple Quincy Shrine Club, Elks Lodge 100, and American Legion Post #37. Frank’s spirit of volunteerism shone brightly as he gave his time to Blessing Hospital, Blessing Hospice, and Valley Baptist Hospital in Texas. Professionally, Frank was a railroad conductor for 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 for the game with his grandsons, teaching them to play and gifting them their first set of clubs. He also enjoyed tennis, solving crossword puzzles, and playing card games like pinochle and pitch. His daily 5-mile bike rides to work were a testament to his love for the outdoors and his commitment to a healthy lifestyle. A fan of the arts, Frank frequented the opera and attended symphonies and plays at the civic center in Quincy, Knoxville, and Texas. His support for the Chicago Cubs was unwavering, and he relished every opportunity to cheer on his favorite team.

Above all, Frank was a devoted family man. When Mary suffered a stroke at the age of 42, he stepped into the role of caregiver and became an excellent cook, ensuring his family was well taken care of. His love and dedication 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 to 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; one daughter, Julie Goehl; three sisters, Dorothy McMullen, Alice Harris, and Mary Hayes; three brothers, Richard McMullen, Robert McMullen, and Jim McMullen; one granddaughter, Delana Timbrook; two grandsons, James Osborne and Joey Goehl; two great-grandsons, David Mock and Christopher Goehl; and two granddaughters in-law, Patti Goehl and Kellie Voepel.

Friends and Family are invited to Frank’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL, with the Bodley Lodge conducting Masonic services at 10:45am. A Funeral Ceremony will directly follow at 11:00 am Saturday, August 31, 2024, 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, with full military honors given by the American Legion Post #37 and the United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Voepel, Shane Timbrook, Joshua Timbrook, Hans Smith, Homer F. Smith, and Chris Warning.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Kroeger, Homer Smith, Ronald Mock, Robert Clow, Jeff Mock, Kevin Graham, and Joshua Graham.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or the Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.