FRANCIS, SR., John Russell

Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory, Wickenburg, Arizona John Russell Francis, Sr. May 2, 1931 ~ August 6, 2013 John Russell Francis, Sr., age 82, passed away August 6, 2013 in Sun City West, Arizona. John was born May 2, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio to William Webster Francis and Helen Mae McDowell. He attended schools in there and later served in the U.S. Army as a Medic and ambulance driver on the front lines. Serving in Korea he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star during his service. During his military service John married Joan Hazel Flood, December 11, 1951 in Erie, Michigan. John was very capable and worked at various jobs including, truck driver, mechanic, logger, coal miner and electrician. One of the jobs he enjoyed the most was parole officer in Spokane, WA. John moved to Arizona in 1960 eventually settling in the west Phoenix area. He had served with the Maricopa SDA Indian Mission in Laveen, Arizona where he worked with youth and served on the Gila River Indian Reservation. He is survived by his son John, Jr. and daughter Linda as well as step children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many other relatives. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wickenburg Funeral Home with funeral services to be held on Sunday, August 11th at 10:00 AM at Wickenburg Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to service and interment with military honors to follow at Genung Cemetery in Peeples Valley.