Frank P. Wilfley, Jr., 101, died on Monday, May 10, 2021, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico.
He was born April 10, 1920, the son of Frank P. Wilfley, Sr., and Willie V. Beagles Wilfley, the fifth generation of Wilfleys in Audrain County. He attended the local schools and a brief time at Central Missouri State. Following Pearl Harbor, he entered the Army of the United States at Jefferson Barracks, and was assigned for basic training at Fort Riley Cavalry Remount Station, Kansas. He was assigned to Headquarters Detachment 1st Cavalry Division, El Paso, Texas; Headquarters Third Army, G4 Section, San Antonio, Texas; and upon activation, Headquarters Sixth Army, G4 Section, serving through four campaigns from Australia and the Philippines. With the surrender of Japan, he received his discharge on Oct. 29, 1945.
After 45 months of service, he returned to farm life and on Feb. 8, 1948, was married to Norma J. Lange of Edgar County, Ill.. They remained on the farm until 2002, when they moved to Mexico where Norma died in 2006. They were the parents of Sarah E. Wilfley, living in Overland Park, Kan., who survives. Also surviving are nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lucille Mohler; and brother, J.D. Wilfley.
In the community, he served as a 4-H leader, school board director, road commissioner and was active in the Audrain Historical Society, Sons of American Revolution, Sons of Confederate Veterans and Golden Kiwanis, with memberships in the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a member of the Mexico United Methodist Church for over 70 years.
Masonic services included the Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. of Missouri, Hebron Lodge No. 354, Mexico Chapter No. 27 Royal Arch Masons, Centralia Council No. 34 Royal and Select Masters; Crusade Commandery No. 23 Knights Templar and appendant bodies of the York Rite with membership in the Scottish Rite and Master of the Missouri Lodge of Research.
Genealogical research from where, how and why, family ancestors migrated to America and participated in the founding and development of our country was a continuing avocation.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 13, at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Mattson officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
Visitation is Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home or the donor’s choice. All may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.
