Donald 'Gale' Francis

FARMINGTON Donald "Gale" Francis passed away on September 23, 2018 at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Missouri at the age of 72. He was born in Bismarck, Missouri on December 27, 1945 to the late George and Stella (Adams) Francis. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Rhonda Wann and a brother, Rodger Francis. Gale enlisted in the United States Navy at a young age and proudly served his country aboard the USS Meredith DD890 off the Coast of Cuba during the missile crisis. Upon return to civilian life, Gale joined the Farmington Police Force where he worked for ten years. He also worked for the St. Francois County Sheriffs Department.. In 1978 Gale began working for the State of Missouri as a power plant engineer for both the State Hospital and the Department of Corrections. Aside from his career, however, Gale was a farmer at heart, raising cattle and other livestock as well. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. Attending auctions was a favorite pastime where he enjoyed buying and selling tractors and other farm equipment. He was an avid fan of Cardinal Baseball and he also enjoyed watching his grandsons play sports. Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Beulah Mae (Yates) Francis; his children, Christine (Dan) Dunlap of Farmington and James L. (Fawn) Francis of Vicksburg, Mississippi; three grandsons, Matthew Dunlap, Jared Dunlap and Bram Francis; his great grandson, Lane Dunlap; a sister, Nancy Owens of Fredericktown, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Genevieve Baptist Church Cemetery in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri with Rev. Glen Francis officiating. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Huntingtons Chorea Disease Society of America (HDSA) at 505 8th Ave., Ste. 902 in New York, New York 10018 or to St. James Veterans Home at 620 N. Jefferson in St. James, Missouri 65559. View the online obituary and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Graveside Service Genevieve Baptist Church Cemetery Wednesday, September 26, 2018 10:00 AM ,