Captain Francis Emmett Charles Donnelly Services for Captain Francis Emmett Charles Donnelly will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 2:00 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Tom Sikes and Reverend Lucian Lee officiating. Entombment will be in Magnolia Mausoleum with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mr. Donnelly, 84 of Meridian, died Sunday, November 15, 2009 at Anderson Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. Captain Donnelly was born on December 8, 1924 and grew up in Long Island,New York. He graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King s Point in the class of 1944 and served in World War II. Frank worked at his dream job as a captain of the Associated Branch Pilots of the Port of New Orleans from 1958-1997. New Orleans has been his home since the 50 s. He loved his two homes, one in Timberland Estates and one in Meridian. Captain Donnelly was also an avid handball player at the New Orleans Athletic Club, a huge fan of all musicals with a song in his heart for every occasion and the proud owner of man s best friend, his beloved dog, Maddie. Frank was a devoted and loving husband of Mary Alpha for 39 years. She was the love of his life. Other survivors include, daughters, Robin Owen and her husband Louis of Nashville, Tonie Lynne Bense and husband, Allan of Panama City, Ree Pollman of Meridian, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mable R. and Morgan T. Donnelly. Memorial contributions can be made to 1st Christian Church. Pallbearers will be Allan George Bense, Jason Allan Bense, Louis Robert Owen, and John Robert Pollman, Robert Kellis Moss and Eldridge Maher. Visitation will be held Wednesday 1-2 at the funeral home.
