Frances Cumpler "Fran" Gagnon

1932 - 2024

A St. Cloud original dies at 92. Frances Rummel Crumpler Gagnon, (Apr. 4, 1932–Aug. 24, 2024) was a member of an Osceola County Pioneer family whose maternal ancestors lived in St. Cloud during the horse and buggy days of the 1800s.
She was a member of the 1950 graduating class of 25 from St. Cloud High School. Frances was the daughter of Ethel Irene Jones Rummel (Apr. 15, 1908-Aug. 16, 1993) and Hugh Seymour Rummel Senior (May 19, 1909-Nov. 13, 1973). She was the maternal granddaughter of and Lucy Nona Simmons Jones (Nov. 17, 1880-Apr. 23, 1955) and Walter Franklin Jones (Jan. 2,1876-Apr. 2, 1953).
She is preceded in death by her beloved siblings, brother Hugh S. Rummel, Jr. (Sep. 21, 1929 - May 18, 1986) and sister Lois Rummel Higley (Apr. 26, 1931-Aug. 2,1993). Fran married a young soldier from Kissimmee, Samuel Crumpler (Jan. 29, 1931-May 15, 1997) in 1951.
During much of their 24-year marriage, she was an Army wife. Each of their five children were born in a military hospital in a variety of locations including Florida, Germany, North Carolina and Georgia. In 1977 Fran married Jacques Gagnon (Oct. 24, 1920-July 23, 1986), a golden toque award-winning French chef. They enjoyed nine happy years together prior to his death.
Frances worked hard throughout her life. In addition to the many years she spent as a homemaker/military wife, she worked at Mercury Marine, was a waitress in many area restaurants and was a checkout clerk at Winn-Dixie for years.
Her Christian faith and values were central throughout her life. In her youth, she attended the Church of Christ; later the Christian Church. She taught her children and grandchildren to be honest, work hard, help others and to be guided by "what would God have me do?"(a question she learned from her mother).
Fran treasured her relationships with family and friends. She was a gifted cake baker/decorator. She made professional level birthday and wedding cakes, which were elaborate, beautiful and delicious. They were the centerpiece of many memories. Frances was a true people person who valued her relationships with her family and friends. She was one of the last great letter/card writers. She understood how a handwritten note could lift the spirits or convey her love.
Frances, known as Mom, Mimi/Meme, to family and friends is survived by her five children , Hughette Crumpler, Sandra Harley, Barbara Stahre, Paul Crumpler and Patti Martinez; her nine grandchildren, Falon, Randa, Reed, Garrett, Samantha, Parker, Sonya, Monica and Daniel; her ten great grandchildren, Brecken, Archer, Anderson, Connor, Cassie Francesca, Myles, Garrett, Luka, Adalida and Jordi Anne.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for Frances Gagnon on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Altar Community Church located at 1215 Old Hickory Tree Road, St. Cloud, FL 34771. All who knew her are invited to attend. If you wish, a monetary contribution toward her headstone or a contribution to the Senior Resource Alliance may be made in lieu flowers.