Jasper Francis (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Jasper Jacob Francis, son of Silas G. and Opal Sweat Francis, was born November 21, 1924, in La Habra, California. He departed this life Friday, March 11, 2016, in the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Missouri, at the age of ninety-one years, three months, and twenty days.
On March 12, 1949, he was united in marriage to Sylvia Mae McCoin, and to this union two daughters and two sons were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sharon Kay Francis; and a brother, James Francis.
Jasper is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Sylvia, of the home; a daughter, Cindy Pendergrass, and her husband, Carl, of Stoutland, Missouri; two sons, Jerry Francis, and his wife, Jennifer, and Chris Francis, and his wife, DeVonna, all of Stoutland, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Jason, Lori, Jerad, Pepper, Joshua, Zechariah, Rachelle, Nathan, and Kayla; eleven great-grandchildren, Jake, Jayden, Lexee, Lane, Haley, Colton, Skylar, Isaiah, Paris, Ariel, and Roper; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born in California, and then moved with his family to Missouri when he was nine years old. He attended Lebanon R-III Schools and graduated from Stoutland High School in the Class of 1943. He entered the military and served his country faithfully in the United States Navy during World War II. He was stationed in Korea where he was a medic. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he returned to Missouri, and began working with his father at Francis Furniture Store for a time. He also began farming and continued in that endeavor for many years. He started working in civil service as an ambulance attendant and medic at Fort Leonard Wood beginning in 1966 through the late 1980’s. Upon retiring, he and Sylvia enjoyed life on the farm.
Jasper had professed his faith in Christ and was a member of Highpoint Baptist Church near Stoutland, where he served on the board of trustees. He had a caring heart and was always willing to help others.
He was an active member of the V.F.W. Post # 4107 in Lebanon for many years and also served on the Stoutland R-II School Board. Jasper was delighted when the book Murder on Rouse Hill came to completion, as it chronicled his family heritage in Laclede County. He enjoyed reading, antiquing, and spending time with his family. He possessed a delightful sense of humor and loved playing April Fools pranks. He made his family the center of his life and liked following his grandchildren’s activities.
Jasper 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 ninety-one years.
Memorial donations to Crossroads Cemetery may be made through the funeral home.
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