John Franklin Neeley

John Franklin Neeley, age 86, of Delhi, passed into his heavenly home on Oct. 19, 2006. “J.F.” as he was called by family and friends, resided in Delhi, Texas.
He was born on July 26, 1920, to W.F. Neeley and Mary (White) Neeley in Bastrop County, Texas. He grew up in the Delhi area. After serving his country as a medical technician in the U.S. Army during World War II

, he moved back to his home and pursued a life of farming and ranching. He enjoyed the outdoor life and the simple pleasures of his country living.
J.F. leaves behind to celebrate his life two sons, John F. “Jeff” Neeley, II and Floyd Neeley, both of Delhi; two daughters, Lesta Maijala and her husband Sean, of Delhi, and Vada York and her husband Jim of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He also leaves behind two granddaughters, Kari Young of Enid, Okla., and Koehlor York of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; one great-grandson, Bryson Young of Enid, Okla.; two sisters, Ozelle Brannaka of Rosenburg, Texas, and Nora Lee Rightmer of Houston, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Neva Stone Neeley, the love of his life; his parents, W.F. and Mary Neeley; two brothers, Lloyd Neeley and Troy Neeley; and one sister, Teeley Neeley.
J.F. was exceptionally kindhearted and took great pleasure in helping others, especially those in need. He enjoyed sharing the produce he farmed and raised every year, including watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes and other produce. Quite often, if he knew of a family that was struggling to make ends meet, he would leave his produce at their door anonymously. He loved to joke and always make humorous rhymes with his family and friends. He had many cute and memorable phrases that he used on a regular basis, followed by his adorable, yet sometimes mischievous, little smile.
Of utmost importance in J.F.”s life was his family. He was always very proud of them. J.F. was a very honest and simple man who remained true to himself and never tried to impress anyone else. He worked very hard his entire life and lived that life doing what he so dearly loved. J.F. was a very unique man and there has never been nor will there ever be another one like him. He was the staple of his family and words cannot express how much he will be missed by all of those who knew him.
Funeral services for J.F. were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006, in the McCurdy Memorial Chapel. Interment followed in the Delhi Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jim Fogle, Craig Archer, Gary White, Clifton Goertz, Mike Brzozowski and Dr. William J. Clampit, DVM.
Arrangements were made under the care and guidance of McCurdy Funeral Home, 105 E. Pecan St., Lockhart, TX, (512) 398-4791.