Franklin Rayburn

Franklin Marion Rayburn, Jr., 65, of Cape Girardeau, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at his home. Frank fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. "Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give him at that day." Frank was born September 29, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan to loving parents Franklin Sr., and May Seabaugh Rayburn. He married Judith (Judy) Ann Wilfong of Advance on July 29, 1967. They had three daughters. Frank committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ as a young man and walked faithfully with Him all of his days. He was a committed member of Lynwood Baptist Church where he enjoyed teaching his Sunday School Class. Frank leaves behind many loving friends and family members who will always remember him for his steadfast devotion to the Lord. Frank was blessed with a precious gift from the Keith (Christa, Angela, Tony) Garavaglia family in October 2000 when he received a heart transplant. Through this wonderful gift, Frank's family and friends were blessed with eight and a half years of precious memories. Frank and his family will always be extremely grateful for this gift. Frank was a three sport athlete at Cape Central High School where he graduated in 1963. He played baseball for the Capahas even through his first years of marriage. For many years, Frank coached and umpired little league baseball and then his daughters' softball teams. Frank retired from Missouri State Division of Employment Services in April 2000 after 32 years of service. He enjoyed playing tennis until his health no longer allowed. He participated in the U.S. Transplant Games in Orlando, FL in 2002 competing in doubles tennis. His team placed 2nd in their age division. He was currently working at Howard's Athletic Goods Store part-time. He also served on the Missouri State Employees' Retirement Sytem board. Survivors include his wife Judy, their three daughters and their families: Carla (Daniel) Wiggins, Kelly (Jeff) McCullough, and Kara (David) Brummel as well as eight grandchildren: Marcus, Zachary, Alyssa Wiggins; Jacie, Jameson McCullough; and Thad, Maeve, and Myla Ruth Brummel. He also leaves behind three sisters and one brother: Doy Loper, Betty (Raymond) Dean, Richard Rayburn, Judie (Marlin) Harrison, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. God fullfilled all of His promises to Frank and he left this world knowing that God completed the good work He had began in him. Frank will be truly missed by his family and friends. However, he was always quick to remind those he loved "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee..." Isaiah 26:3 Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM, Thursday, July 9, 2009 at Lynwood Baptist Church. Funeral will be at 10:00 AM Friday, July 10, 2009 at the church with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmont Cemetery. Memorials are requested to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105 or Mid America Transplant, 1110 Highlands Paza Dr. East, St. Louis, MO. 63110. Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Franklin Rayburn

July 7, 2009