Francis "Red" E. McNeil

Francis E. McNeil was born to William Elmer and Bessie Ellen Trudell McNeil on September 27, 1924, on a farm near Studley, KS. He passed away on September 20, 2020 in Lakewood, CO, just one week shy of his 96th birthday. Growing up, his family lived in or near the Kansas towns of Delphos, Blue Rapids, and Corning. Francis (also known as “Red” because of his red hair) was a natural athlete and played on the Corning High School basketball and football teams. He served in the military as an Air Force Cadet (Army Air Corps) from l944-45. Returning home, he married Marilyn Ruth Brown in 1946. They moved to Manhattan, KS, where Francis attended Kansas State University, graduating in 1949 with a major in accounting.

Francis spent his career in the oil drilling industry. His first positions were with Standard Oil of Indiana and Arrow Drilling Company, located in Tulsa, OK. He ended his career as co-owner of BOMAC Drilling, taking him to Bismarck, ND, and then Denver, CO. He retired in 1982.

Francis was always involved in his community. While in Tulsa, he was president of the Beacon Sunday School class of First Methodist Church. The friendships he and Marilyn formed there continued throughout their lives. In North Dakota, he was Sunday school superintendent at McCabe United Methodist Church. He also helped found the Bismarck YMCA. In Golden, CO, he served on the Board of Directors of the Rolling Hills Country Club and the Board of Trustees of Applewood Valley United Methodist Church.

When Marilyn became ill, Francis learned a new role as caregiver. Several years after Marilyn’s death, Francis married Bonnie Maxine Bradney McKee from Kansas. They enjoyed many happy years together in Golden, CO.

Francis was a man who liked people and people liked him. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and feel comfortable. He enjoyed fishing, golf, tennis, dancing, and tending his roses. He was proud of his family and loved animals. He once said that his most important values were learned from his friends. Among these values were honesty in your dealings with people and keeping your word.

Francis is survived by his second wife of 23 years, Bonnie McNeil; sister, Marcia McNall, brothers-in-law, Gerald Morris and Arthur Newcomer; 5 children, Lynn A. Grimm (Stanley), Mark McNeil (Abby), Michael McNeil (Patti), Murray McNeil (Sharon), and Todd McNeil (Mary); 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; step-children, Jack McKee (Lanette) and Janet McKee Zwonitzer; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; 1 nephew and 2 nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marilyn McNeil; sister, Halcyon Morris, sister-in-law, Carolyn Newcomer. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Francis E. McNeil Memorial Fund, Applewood Valley United Methodist Church, 2035 Ellis Street, Golden, CO 80401. A memorial service will be held at a future date.