Arnold Franta

Arnold Franta died Aug. 17 at his home in Springfield, Mo. He was born July 31, 1929, in Lincolnville to Frank and Amelia (Holub) Franta.

He married Margaret “Peggy” Bossert on Dec. 31, 1955.

He was a combat veteran of the Korean War, serving as a staff sergeant in the Army from 1948 to 1952. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, and a United Nations Service Medal.

He was an electronics engineer for Collins Radio, involved with Air Force jet and ballistic missile programs, Bendix Corporation, and Midwest Research Institute. He retired to Hermitage, Mo.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald Franta.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Franta, of Springfield; three daughters, Karla Mary Wilson of Bolivar, Mo., Margo Renae Abdalla of Buffalo, Mo., and Celeste Marie Barry of Norris, Tenn.; a sister, Violet Richmond of Marion; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Services were Aug. 22 at Holy Family Parish-St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Pilsen. Burial with military honors followed in the church cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established with Hulston Cancer Center, Cox Health Foundation.