Soon after graduating and turning 18 he enlisted in the Navy. He often joked “they heard I was coming so they thought they better quit.” He was stationed in Guam at the Naval air base and served in the mess hall. He was responsible for serving ice-cream, a skill he carried with him throughout his life, making his prideded homemade ice-cream for many generations of his family. After discharging from the Navy he immediately enlisted in the Navy Reserve from 7/1946 to 7/1954 and then enlisted again in the Navy Reserve from 10/1957 to 10/1961. He then enlisted in the Air National Guard as a Staff Sergeant, 155th Combat Squadron as a Training Specialist. He was discharged in 1964 due to an appointment as Captain to the Air Force Reserve as an education and training officer retiring in 1972.
After returning home from the war in 1946 and not wanting to return to farming he went to college on the GI bill stating, “the GI bill gave a lot of guys a new opportunity.” He attended Kearney State Teachers College and graduated in 1950. He then attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln and obtained a Masters in Education in 1959.
Shortly after returning to Arcadia Francis met the love of his life, Marlyn Moore. They were united in marriage on June 30th 1951 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Broken Bow. Together they had 6 children Michael James, Patrick Robert, Theresa Ann, Johnny Francis, Paul Kevin and James Melvin.
During his career as an educator Francis was a teacher and especially enjoyed teaching science. He coached multiple sports including football, basketball and track. In addition to teaching and coaching he was often the school administrator as well. He moved with his family to fill positions in Arcadia, Litchfield, Ord and West Point before landing in Lincoln in 1962. In 1964 Francis was promoted to Assistant Principal at Everett Junior High, then Principal the following year in 1965. In the fall of 1976 Francis became an Associate Principal at Lincoln East High school until he retired in 1991.
In retirement Francis stayed busy. He was known to golf frequently until the pandemic shut down the courses. He then switched his focus to playing pool at the Grand Lodge where he was a resident. He played until just a few weeks ago. He was an avid Husker fan and faithfully attended football games. Francis was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW, National Education Association, Nebraska Education Association, Lincoln Education Association and Phi Delta Kappa, Professional Educator. He led a very interesting and active life and always had an amazing story to tell.
Family members include his wife, Marlyn; sons Michael, Patrick, Paul and James Arthur, all of Lincoln; Daughter Theresa (James) Baustert of Bennet; sisters Mary Kusek and Katherine Evans; grandchildren; Ashley (Clint) Kaspar, Brandon (Tiffany) Baustert, John Arthur, Rachel Arthur, PJ Serpa, and Tara Stingley; great grandchildren; Siaira, Isaiah, Brandon Jr, Madex, Ian, Skylar, Valentina and Hayden; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, son John, brother Patrick and daughter in law Reena Arthur.
Visitation from 6-7:30 pm Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 O St.
Rosary at 10am Friday August 9, 2024. Followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30am. Luncheon immediately following at St Joseph Catholic Church, 7900 Trendwood Drive Lincoln, NE 68506.
Graveside service with Military Honors will take place at 1:30pm at Lincoln Memorial Park. 6800 S 14th St Lincoln, NE 68512.
Memorials to St Joseph Catholic Church.