Raymond Russell Francis

Raymond Russell Francis, 88, the fourth son of Wilbert Thomas and Myrtle Mae (Evans) Francis, was born on the Francis home farm on Dec. 1, 1922, in Pleasant Valley near Rainy, and passed away Aug. 15, 2011, at Sac-Osage Hospital, Osceola.
Ray attended grade school at Rainy Hill, District 80, and Osceola  High School graduating in 1941. 

He was a member of the Pleasant Valley Christian Church, being baptized in 1935 at Keller's Camp on the Sac River.  Ray and his mother prepared communion on Sunday mornings.  He had the job of secretary and treasurer at the church. 

After graduation, he went to California where he worked in an aircraft factory in Jan. 1942.  On Dec. 9, 1942, he volunteered for the U.S. Air Force.  After training Ray graduated as a fighter pilot, flying P47 Thunderbolt Fighters, with 55 missions in Europe.  He won the Air Medal and 5 Oak Leaf Clusters; he also wore the Presidential Unit Citation with one cluster. 

After returning home in 1945, Ray then went to Kansas City where he worked for the Weather Bureau Forecast Center and later Air Traffic Control in Kansas City.  While working there he was recalled to the service during the Korean conflict.  He was sent to Japan and while in the Far East he spent time in Japan, Korea, China, Formosa, Okinawa. Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.  He carried a top-secret clearance personal card. 

Ray returned home in 1958, where he farmed with his brother, Moss.  In 1960 he went to Lake City, MN, and bought a large apple orchard which he worked until 1985.

While in Lake City, Ray met and married Jean Lois Thompson in 1980.  They moved back to the St. Clair county farm near, Rainey.  She preceded him in death in 2006.  Ray remained on the farm until 2008 when he moved to the nursing home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean, three brothers - Harry, Melvin (Moss) and A. L. (Pete) Francis; his stepdaughter, Toni Piar, and a nephew. Calvin Francis.

Ray is survived by his sister in-law, Lillie Francis; two nieces Juanita Gumm and Norma Haglund; one nephew, Dennis Francis; several great nieces and nephews; two step-granddaughters, Brenda Fug and Kathy Piar; best friends,  Joe and Doris Norval, other relatives and friends. 

Services were held Thursday, Aug. 18, in Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel with Rev. Mike Norval and Joe Norval officiating. Richard Sunderwirth was vocalist and Gail Ingle, accompanist, for “Shall We Gather At The River.” Casketbearers were: Robert Truitt, Mark Francis, Joe Norval, Rusty Norval, Myron Rapp and Doug Hicks. Honorary casketbearers were Bob Gardner and Charles A. Francis.

VFW Post #1894 performed the military service. Interment was in Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery under direction of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home.