FRANCIS, Gene

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona November 27, 1968, page 1 Many Mourn Passing of Gene Francis So many of us will so greatly miss Gene Francis. He was a genial, friendly, cheerful man, of great personal charm, of outstanding ability and a vast energy. He rather typified the democratic way of life; he walked with the high and mighty “nor lost the common touch.” Friends? He counted them in hundreds, here and throughout the country. Aware of the grave illness with which he had been afflicted for less than a year and knowing how gallantly but futilely he struggles to regain his health during the long months of summer and autumn, his friends were, if such is possible, prepared for the news of his death at 5 o’clock last Thursday morning, November 21, in Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix. Family services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the church of All Christian faiths in Phoenix, with Dr. Charles S. Poling, former pastor of the First Presbyterian Church here, officiating. Surviving are his wife Martha; a daughter, Mrs. Margene (Samuel) Hibben of Clarendon Hills, Ill.; a sister, Mrs. Clarence Brikman of Scottsdale and a brother Arthur C. of Saugatuck, Michigan. Four grandchildren also survive. Gene Francis was born in Chicago July 1, 1903 and lived the major portion of his life in that city. He was a graduate of the University of Chicago, playing on its football teams under famed coach Alonzo Stagg in the days when Chicago was a power in the Big Nine conference. Following graduation he played professional football with the Chicago Cardinals. He was an insurance executive in Chicago for more than 30 years and was so occupied when he and Mrs. Francis first came to Arizona and Wickenburg in 1947. He became a charter member of the Desert Caballeros and its executive secretary, a position he held continuously since. His organizing ability played a major role in the growth and development of that widely known riding organization from its initial membership of around 50 to the 200 and more active members and guests who now make the annual ride in the early spring. He returned to Wickenburg early each year to direct the pre-ride arrangements which have assured the success of the ride each year. Nine years ago Mr. & Mrs. Francis moved to Arizona permanently and after a few years in Phoenix located in Wickenburg where he became head of the insurance department of the White land & Investment Co. He was a member of the Wickenburg Elks Lodge and of the Wickenburg Rotary Club. He was one of the town’s highly ranked duplicate bridge players. During recent years Gene Francis had been a frequent visitor at the SUN office. Those visits were always enjoyable and always, after he had left, we felt a little better and faced the day’s chores and problems more cheerfully. Yes, we will greatly miss Gene Francis. Good bye, old friend. JHMcC