Frank E. Coones, 1905-2003, Warsaw

Frank Ervine Coones, 98, of rural Warsaw, died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at his home.

He was born March 28, 1905, near Warsaw, a son of Benjamin Franklin and Pearl Johnston Coones. In 1927, he married Mary Mantonya. In 1940, he married Gracie Mantonya, who died in February 1972. In April 1975, he married Mellie D. Morris, who survives of the home.

Mr. Coones lived in Benton County most of his life, as did his father. His grandfather, Joseph Berry Coones, gave the land for National Cemetery and National School and Meeting House where he preached the Gospel for 19 years. He was educated at Mountain Home Country School. He worked in Kansas City during World War II, but spent most of his life as a farmer. He also worked for Bishops Gunstock Co. in Warsaw for 20 years. He was a member of Finey Baptist Church, attending regularly and taking part in activities as long as his health allowed.

Survivors also include two daughters, Lois Howard and Barbara Veach, both of Warsaw; a son, Kenneth Mantonya, of Warsaw; three brothers, Harold L. Coones, of Warsaw, Norman Coones, of Clinton, and Olin Coones, of Kansas City, Kan.; two stepsons, Lonnie Morris and Dick Morris, both of Neosho; 14 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, three stepgreat-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by two brothers, three sisters, two sons and two grandsons.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw, with the Rev. James Rice officiating. Burial will be in Finey Cemetery, near Deepwater.

Friends may call after 9 a.m. Tuesday, with family visitation from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Finey