Francis Massey (Lebanon)'s Obituary
James Francis Massey, son of Orvill and Minnie Alberta May Shannon Massey, was born June 25, 1930, near Oakland, Missouri. He departed this life Wednesday, December 9, 2015, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-five years, five months, and fourteen days.
On November 3, 1949, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Helen Larimore, and to this union two sons were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Jerry Lee Massey.
Francis is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Elizabeth, of the home; a son, Don Massey, and his wife, Judy, of Phillipsburg, Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Mary Massey, of Camdenton, Missouri; five grandchildren, Danny, Michelle, Stacy, Nicole, and Randy; four great-grandchildren, Haile, Courtney, Evan, and Kaiden; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was raised in the Phillipsburg community, and graduated from Phillipsburg High School. After he and Elizabeth were married, they made their home in Phillipsburg, Missouri, and lovingly raised their sons. He was employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant for several years, and then worked for Sears. He later was employed by Laclede County Water District # 3, where he served in various capacities before retiring.
Francis had attended Liberty Freewill Baptist Church for as long as his health allowed.
He had served as the Mayor of Phillipsburg, Missouri and was a member of the Phillipsburg City Council for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were hunting, fishing, and boating. He had an outgoing personality and was very well liked. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Francis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his eighty-five years.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation, and left at the funeral home.
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