John Francis

John Clyde Francis, 87, of West Alexander, Pa., died at 4:50 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2013 in the Personal Care at Evergreen, Washington, Pa.He was born August 4, 1925 in West Finley Twp. (Beham), Washington Co., Pa. a son of the late John Lester and Alda Oretta Wilson Francis and has resided in the West Alexander area since 1947.Mr. Francis was a member of the West Alexander United Methodist Church where he had served as a trustee and chairperson on the Administrative Board.He was also a former member of the McGuffey School Board, the West Alexander V.F.D. and had served on the West Alexander Fair Board for over 30 years.Mr. Francis was a member and past commander of the West Alexander American Legion Post 656 for over 67 years.He was a veteran of World War II where he served with the U.S. Navy as gunner's mate third class, serving on five different ships, in France, Italy, South America, Belgium and Argentina, and was awarded the European and American Theater ribbons, and the WW II Victory Medal.Mr. Francis enjoyed 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 prior to 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, W.Va.; several nieces and nephews.Deceased in addition to his parents are two sisters, Janet Francis and Clara Pearl Main.Family suggests memorial contributions be made to either, the West Alexander United Methodist Church, the West Alexander American Legion Post 656 or the West Alexander V.F.D.