Frances Waddell

Frances "Fran" M. Waddell, 70, of Sedalia, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2018 at Bothwell Regional Health Center, Sedalia.

She was born January 28, 1948, in Sedalia, a daughter of Earl and Geraldine (Simon) Bryant.

Frances graduated from Smithton High School in 1966 and was three months shy of obtaining her Associate's Degree in accounting at Cleveland Technical Instituted in Shelby, NC.

Frances entered the Air Force in 1968 and spent two years at Offuitt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE, as a dental technician. She always felt her time in the military was of great value in helping to mold the person she became.

In 1969, she married Tommy E. Ballard at Offuitt Air Force Base, they later made their home in N.C., where she lived from 1970 until 1994, when she moved back home to Sedalia.

Frances and her first husband enjoyed two years in Italy during his time of service. From this first marriage, Frances had a son, Alan E. Ballard (Michelle) of Asheville, NC. In 1996 Frances married James R. (“Doc”) Waddell at the Highway Gardens in the Missouri State Fair Grounds. Fran was very happy and blessed with the years she had with Doc and her extended family.

Fran enjoyed her career throughout the years at various businesses in the accounting and tax service fields where she obtained true satisfaction from her efforts. Her last position was as City Clerk for the city of Smithton for over ten years. This was one of her favorite jobs, because of all the wonderful people she worked with.

Fran was a previous member of VFW Post #2591 Ladies Auxiliary where she held the positions of Auxiliary President and Treasurer. She was also a member of American Legion Post #642. She spent many volunteer hours in support of her Post and Auxiliary, working bingo and helping out in the kitchen and the many functions in support of all veterans. She was very proud of being a veteran herself and loved her country very much. Fran was a current member of the VFW Auxiliary 4195 in Knob Noster, MO.

Fran in survived by a son, Alan Ballard (Michelle); stepchildren, John Waddell, Rebecca Grant (Kyle), Margaret Waddell; Son-in-law, Scott Mosier; two brothers, Dennis Bryant (Dorothy), and Stephen E. Bryant (Judy); 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband; stepdaughter, Barbara Mosier; sister, Connie Kurtz; and the last love of her life, James (Doc) Waddell.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m Friday, February 16, 2018 at Rea Funeral Chapel.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Burial will be at Abel Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 with full military honors being conducted by VFW Post #2591 and Whiteman Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions in honor of Frances may be made to the Abel Cemetery Fund in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.