John Clyde Francis
World War II veteran enjoyed farming
John Clyde Francis, 87, of West Alexander, died at 4:50 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2013, in Personal Care at Evergreen, Washington.
He was born August 4, 1925, in West Finley Township (Beham), Washington County, a son of the late John Lester and Alda Oretta Wilson Francis. He had resided in the West Alexander area since 1947.
Mr. Francis was a member of West Alexander United Methodist Church, where he had served as a trustee and chairman on the administrative board.
He also was a former member of McGuffey School Board, West Alexander Volunteer Fire Department and had served on the West Alexander Fair Board for more than 30 years.
Mr. Francis was a member and past commander of West Alexander American Legion Post 656 for more than 67 years.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Navy as gunner’s mate third class. He served on five different ships in France, Italy, South America, Belgium and Argentina. He was awarded the European and American Theater ribbons and the WW II Victory Medal.
Mr. Francis enjoyed spending time with his family, farming, gardening, traveling, reading, small game and deer hunting and watching the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He was employed by the former Columbia Gas Corp. (Mountaineer Gas) in Wheeling, W.Va., as a meter inspector for 44 years before retiring in 1990.
On March 1, 1947, he married Maxine Elizabeth White, who survives.
Also surviving are five daughters, Dorothy, wife of Floyd Thomas of West Alexander, Sandra, wife of Thomas Brownlee of Claysville, Carolyn Francis, companion of James Huff of Arlington, Va., Mary Ann, wife of Gary Danley of West Finley and Betty Francis of Canonsburg; two sons, John, husband of Judy Francis of West Alexander and Mark, husband of Carol Francis of Leesburg, Va.; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Thomas Bird, Chad Thomas, Jason Francis, Jodi Hildreth, Leeann and Gail Danley, Benjamin, Nathan and Andrew Francis; seven great-grandchildren; a brother George, husband of Connie Francis of Weirton, W.Va.; a sister Joyce Orzolek of Wheeling; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are two sisters, Janet Francis and Clara Pearl Main.
At the request of the deceased and family, there will be no public viewing. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, in West Alexander United Methodist Church with the Rev. Daniel Grimes officiating. Family suggests memorial contributions be made to West Alexander United Methodist Church, West Alexander American Legion Post 656 or West Alexander VFD. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.