Neff, Floyd Francis 1931-2024

NEFF, SHORE, CLARK, LEONARD, HUTTON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 11/16/2024 at 14:41:41

Floyd Francis Neff Obituary
Francis was born September 27, 1931 on an acreage near Dallas, IA, to Floyd E. & Mary E. (Shore) Neff. He was the first child of six. The Lord called him home on July 31, 2024. His health was failing due to congestive heart disease and dementia. He had been a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Holstein, IA near his daughters, Francene’ and Renee’, since January, 2024.

Francis had many interesting stories and tales about his life’s endeavors and jobs he had accomplished in his lifetime of 92 years. He started at a very early age working and was not afraid to work or take on any task because he was confident he could do most anything he set his mind to. He started working at age 11, operating a crane for his dad, Floyd. His dad owned a construction ditch digging business and Francis never questioned if it was a job he could do. His dad expected him to do the work, so he did. His brother, Bob later joined Floyd and Francis in this work.

Francis met the love of his life, Violet Joan Clark when she was 11 years old. Francis used to come to Violet’s farm home with a friend of his who was visiting Violet’s sister. He asked Violet for a date when she was 16 years old and they went to a drive-in movie starring Randolph Scott.

After Francis graduated from high school he worked for Schlotfeld Auto as a mechanic. Francis enlisted in the Air Force in March 1951 and was transferred to Luke AFB for basic training in Arizona, then came home and married Violet on May 30, 1952. They returned to Arizona until Francis was shipped overseas to Okinawa for two years during the Korean War. He was transferred to Topeka, Kansas, receiving an Honorable Discharge in March 1956. They moved back to their hometown of Monroe until 1958 and then settled in Altoona. They had six children; Renee’, Teresa, Brent, Kent, Bryan and Francene’. There were never any dull or quiet moments after this.

Francis’ work experiences were many and varied, all of which he stated increased his knowledge for fixing vehicles of all kinds, including small and large machinery. Becoming a mechanic for his life’s career was something he loved and never considered it “work”. He could fix just about anything with a pair of pantyhose, electrical tape, and a screwdriver. He had the extraordinary ability to listen to a motor and tell you what was wrong with it without tearing

it apart. He was right more times than not. His kids have seen him do this over long distance telephone calls when one of their cars was making a “funny” noise. He would have them start their vehicle and put the phone close to the noise, he would listen to it and tell them what to check to fix it. Amazing talent! He taught all of his kids the basics of mechanics, including how to change a tire before they were allowed to drive, how to change the oil, check the spark plugs and the fluid levels, and fill up with gas. He wanted his kids to be independent and self-sufficient.

Francis worked for Dukehart Hughes for seven years as a heavy equipment mechanic. The company became Fiat-Allis and Francis was promoted to a service representative and transferred to Colorado and traveled for this job. He was promoted and transferred to California where his service area increased. His job took him and his family to Kentucky and then Virginia. He retired in May 1987 and moved back to Monroe. He and Violet purchased an acreage east of Monroe with a large machine shed and church building on the property. They disassembled the church and used much of the materials to build a ranch- style home that was modeled after their home in Riverside, CA. They started building their house in 1994 with significant assistance from their sons, Kent and Bryan. Son, Brent also helped when needed. They moved in November 1997. Utilizing the machine shed, Francis opened his own mechanic shop where he and his son, Kent, did farm equipment and automotive repair until 2016 when he turned the business over to Kent.

Francis was very active in political work and attended many political rallies and caucuses. He was a firm believer in freedom and having the right to fight for that freedom. He believed the political parties should pull together to make the USA a better, stronger country. He was a member of the Fred Slayden Post 363 Monroe American Legion and held the position of Commander for one term.

Francis cared about people and treated them with respect and honesty. He loved visiting with all people and always had a story to tell and was fond of saying, “ironically enough” throughout his stories. He and Violet had a very active life. They attended The Church of Jesus Christ in Des Moines, Iowa and enjoyed attending service, singing hymns, and hearing the word of God, knowing and believing the center of life is God. They also enjoyed church activities including potlucks, church camp, and the annual church reunion.

Other activities they enjoyed were visiting friends, parties, family get-togethers, and picnicking. They also enjoyed dancing and became enthusiastic square dancers while living in Texas.

Francis had his first airplane ride in 1942 in a Piper Cub, at the age of 11. This began a lifetime love for flying. He took flying lessons while living in Texas and received his pilot license. Francis owned and flew two small planes for a time before deciding to build his own plane, consisting of a stick frame, fiberglass and a Corvair engine. This was a 10-year project from 1974-1984. He had his first successful flight in 1984 in his handmade KR 1-1/2. This accomplishment was one of the greatest highlights of his life.

Francis and Violet spent 72 years loving each other and having a lifetime of adventures and making memories. God blessed this union with 6 kids, 21 grandkids, 53 great-grandkids and 11 great-great grandkids, and additional “grands” expected soon. His life was complete and full as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. One of his last comments was, “Life is good, if you don’t weaken.” Therein lies the anecdote he lived by and can be an example for everyone to follow.

Francis will be missed and cherished by his wife, Violet, children, Renee’ and Greg Leonard of Correctionville, IA, Teresa Neff of Davenport, IA, Brent and Linda Neff of Des Moines, IA, Kent Neff of Monroe, IA, Bryan Neff of Chariton, IA, Francene’ and Keith Leonard of Holstein, IA, his brother, Dwight and Karen Neff of Monroe, IA and many extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd E. and Mary E. Neff, grandparents, Jesse and Lettie Shore, William and Maggie Neff, three brothers, Robert, Kenny, and Cecil Neff and sister, JoAnn Clark and two grandsons, Cason Hutton and Mason Leonard. He will be remembered through a lifetime of memories, the twinkle in his eye, his teasing way, sense of humor and his quick, beautiful smile. His lineage will continue on.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10:00 am at the United Methodist Church in Monroe. Burial with Military Rites will be held at Silent City Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday, August, 9, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the church. Memorials may be given to the family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

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Events
Visitation
Friday, August 9, 2024
4:00PM - 7:00PM
Monroe United Methodist Church
407 N Monroe St
Monroe, IA 50170
Funeral Service
Saturday, August 10, 2024
10:00AM
Monroe United Methodist Church
407 N Monroe St
Monroe, IA 50170
Guestbook Signing & Memory Sharing
Ongoing
Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book.

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Final Resting Place
Silent City Cemetery
Cemetery Rd
Monroe, IA 50170
Tribute Wall ~ The Coburn Funeral Home, Monroe, Iowa 31 July 2024.