John Leroy Francis

John Leroy Francis, 92, of Kress, passed away on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, in Plainview. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Kornerstone Funeral Directors Chapel with Mr. Lanny Voss officiating. Burial will follow in Plainview Memorial Park under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. A visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m. today, Dec. 12, 2012, at the funeral home. Leroy was born Nov. 13, 1920, to Roger and Edith Francis in Ochiltree County, Texas. He graduated West Texas State Teachers College in 1941. He married Mildred Clymore on Dec. 15, 1946, in Lockney. Leroy served in the U.S. Army Airforce and would fly for United Airlines until 1946. Later he began farming in Swisher County and went on to co-found BFW Grain Company and Community Gin in Claytonville. He continued to actively farm in Swisher and Hansford counties until 2010. He was a board member and president of the Kress school board for many years. Leroy was a lifelong member of the Claytonville Baptist Church where he served faithfully in all areas of the church. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one foster son. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Francis of Kress, Texas; three sons, Richard Francis and wife Debbie of Plainview, Texas, Joe Francis and wife San of Plainview, Texas, and Barry Francis and wife Barbara of Waco, Texas; one sister, Leona Langston of Beaverton, Ore.; nine grandchildren,;seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Pearlene Eubank. The family wishes to express special thanks to Leroy's wonderful caregivers, Leverne Shannon, Yvonne Franklin, Sonya Blaylock and Helen Jones. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to American Cancer Society, 3513 10th St., Lubbock, TX 79415; Area Community Hospice, 3109 Olton Road, Suite C, Plainview, TX 79072; or a charity of you choice. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.