Francis E. McClure 50 of Rapid City passed away Monday, January 16, 2006 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. A Memorial Service will be Monday, January 30, 2006 from 7:00PM until 9:00PM at the Ramkota Hotel, 2111 LaCrosse Street, RC, and the family will be using the Washington Room. He grew up and attended St Anns, St. Marys School, and graduated from Phoenixville High School. When he lived in Phoenixville, PA he worked at the Courtney Foose Stables in Schuylkill Township for several years. He traveled the East Coast caring for the racehorses. When he tired of traveling he, settled down at the Valley Forge Military Academy, again training and caring for the horses there. In 1992, at the age of 37, he moved to Rapid City SD to obtain a degree as a Veterinary Technician at National College. Fran then continued on at South Dakota State University for his Bachelors of Science. He was one class away from graduation when a fall at work interrupted his education and career plans. His last five years were spent in constant pain, which he weathered with good grace and humor. Aside from his sense of humor and quick wit, Fran loved music and loved to read. His high IQ qualified him as a member of MENSA. He died peacefully in his sleep Monday afternoon, January 16, 2006 with SherryAnn, his constant canine companion, at his side. Survivors include mother A. Corritta (Coyne) McClure of Phoenixville, PA, 2 Brothers & 3 Sisters, James B and wife Sue McClure of San Jose, CA, A. Colleen, wife of Ronald Kaufman of Pottstown, PA, Maureen A. McClure and Tom Vafeades of Phoenixville, PA, Erin, wife of Mike Sawyer of Hollywood, FL, Glenn and Diana McClure of Fort Lauderdale, FL, 3 Nieces & 2 Nephews, 2 Great Nieces and 2 Great Nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Syringomyelia Alliance Project (ASAP), PO Box 1586, Longview, Texas