Loyd Francis

Loyd Laverne Francis was the oldest of 7 children born to Loyd Grissom Francis of Fredickstown, MO, and Pearly Lucille Jobe of Short Mountain, Arkansas. He arrived on the 11th of March 1941 in Corning, Arkansas. Loyd’s siblings are Peggy Jean Hultz (Marvin Hultz, Madison, MO), Linda Sweeney (David Sweeney, Cedar Rapids, IA), Martha Jones (Ernie Jones, Bland, MO), Sharon Kay Lyons (Shelbina, MO), Betty Francis (Gray Summit, MO), and Loyd Grissom Francis, JR. (Shelly Ratliff, Cattawisa, MO). Loyd was a quiet child who loved to play outside, fish, and hunt. As an adult, Loyd overcame his shyness and the stutter that Scarlett fever gave him when he contracted it at three years old. The Francis family moved to Franklin County, MO, in 1948. Loyd began attending Pacific area schools and graduated from Pacific High School.

Shortly after high school, Loyd enlisted in the Army at the urging of his father. He served in the 1st Battalion, 39th Infantry as an Armor Crewman in a Tank division at Tsukkeunen Barracks, Worms, Germany. Loyd continued his enlistment and cross-trained to become a helicopter mechanic and a wing technical inspector. He served two tours in Vietnam from 31 Jan 1967 to 1 Sept 1968 and 27 Oct 1970 to 16 June 1971 and reached the rank of E-6. Loyd was awarded the National Service Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Service Medal with devices 60, Army Commendation Medal with three overseas bars, and two Good Conduct Medals.

While serving in the Army, Loyd met Janet Fink of Cleveland, Ohio. They married on February 19, 1968, and have been married for over 53 years. Loyd and Janet have four children. Their first child is Paul Francis (Judy O’ Duvall of Cattawisa, MO). Their second child is Michele Brown (James P. Brown of Long Beach, CA). Their third child is John Joseph Francis (Cindy Dotson of Sullivan, MO). And their fourth child is Christopher Michael Francis. Loyd has five grandchildren, Stephan J Brown (Taylor Geer of Manassa Park, VA), Rebekah M. Brown, Rachel L. Brown, Hannah L. Brown, and Joseph D. Francis.

After the Army, Loyd attended St. Louis Police Academy. He served the city of the Pacific as a police officer and achieved the rank of Deputy Sheriff until 1977. He then worked for U.S. Silica Sand until his retirement in 2003. Loyd and Janet are members of the Pacific Assembly of God.

Loyd was preceded in death by his sister Sharon Kay Lyons, son John Joseph Francis, and son-in-law Lt. Colonel James P. Brown.

Loyd was known as Uncle Buddy to his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In his younger days, he loved muscle cars, hunting, especially for deer, and fishing in the many waterways of the Ozarks. Loyd never met a stranger and was an avid storyteller. He was extremely patriotic and proud of his service to our country. Loyd loved his family and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Loyd will be laid to rest at the Pacific cemetery. A memorial service for him will be held at the Pacific Assembly of God at a later time

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