DAY, Francis W.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ August 21, 2008 Francis W. Day, 80, died Aug. 14, 2008, in Scottsdale. He was born Jan. 5, 1928, to Francis Willard Day Sr. and Laura Farr in St. Johns. Francis started the business Francis Day and Sons with his father in 1951 and retired after 50-plus years. He served as St. Johns mayor for 12 years. He had a good relationship with SRP that greatly benefitted the City of St. Johns and was responsible for getting the St. Johns City Park built. Francis loved to work and spend time with his family camping at the old Whiting Sawmill. Francis is survived by his wife, Gloria Day of St. Johns; daughters Roxanne (Merv) Wilhelm of Thatcher, Tamera (Richard) Gardner of Cortez, Colo., Renee Rowley of Bellevue, Neb., Rechelle (Perry) Price of St. Johns, Jennifer (Michael) Brooks of Mesa and Bridget (Sonny) Rushing of St. Johns; son Brett (Sandra) Day of St. Johns; brother Marlow Day of St. Johns; 34 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren; and Zeuss, the dog that Dad loved. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Debra Danette Day; son Francis Willard Day Jr.; and sisters Pauline Davis and Marilyn Whites. A visitation was held Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 6-8 p.m. at Burnham Mortuary in St. Johns. Funeral services was held Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment followed at the St. Johns Westside Cemetery. Burnham Mortuary of St. Johns handled arrangements. For those who would like to send private condolences, visit www.burnhammortuary.com.