Menu
Henry L Francis
May 14, 1944 ~ August 18, 2021
Henry Louis Francis passed from this life onto glory on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He entered our Savior's embrace with his wife and family by his side.
Born on May 14, 1944, in Jennings, Louisiana to Ella and Preston Lawdins Francis, Henry was the eldest of 5 siblings. One sister, Bessie and three brothers: Johnny, Eddy (deceased), and Alfred (deceased).
Henry received his early education in the Jennings Public School District and, after graduation, attended Texas Southern University. Shortly after entering college, Henry was drafted into the Army in 1964.
Henry knew his wife Joyce from childhood, and they began officially dating after high school in 1962. They married 2 years later, December 26, 1964, and spent 56 years in marital wedded bliss. In each other they found their best friend, love of their lives and soulmate. Through their union, they had two beautiful children, Henry (Rick) J. Francis (Peggy), and Pamela R. Moses (Wayne).
He went on to reach the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 and retired after 35 years of well decorated service.
Awards and Decoration: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
His son followed in his footsteps and was Commissioned as an Officer in the U.S Army.
Henry was an active member of St. Joseph's and served as a father, mentor, and friend to many. He is known as the man who never met a stranger and had a knack for developing long lasting relationships with everyone he met.
Henry served as a Motivational Speaker, Host Minister, Church Board member, Marriage Enrichment Sponsor, RCIA Class Leader, and Church Lector. Additionally, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteered as a Minister at Arlington Life Shelter, and served faithfully in the church and in the local community until his passing.
Henry is survived by his wife of 56 plus years, Joyce Francis, a son, Henry Francis (Peggy) a daughter, Pamela Moses (Wayne). Additionally, he is survived by 3 grandchildren; Andre Francis, Brittany Francis, and Gabrielle Moses, along with many others who he considered as bonus children, bonus grandchildren and cherished friends.
Bonus Children: LTC (Retired) Andrew Reese, Kathy Reese, Andrew Reese II, Abe Ighalo (Vivian), Hanna Ighalo, Norma Hospedales, Jesmin Clarke, Kiona Clarke, Keenan Clarke, Nicholas Ikowe (Phil), Kevin Ikowe, Wesley Ikowe, Jeremy Ikowe. Bonus Family: The Lyons Family, and the entire St. Joseph Family.
Special Thanks: James and Yvonne Morris & Family, Dr. Swee-Ling Levea, Ms. Tam-Nhi Nguyen, PA, and UT Southwestern Hospital Transplant Team, Antresa Weathersby, NP, and Bianca from Questcare.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of Henry L. Francis.
View current weather.
Tribute Video
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Our world is less bright because your light has dimmed in it. Your memory will always be a blessing to us, We love you Francis Family ðŸ™ðŸ½
TO JOYCE AND FAMILY FROM FERNANDO AND ROSEMARY OCHOA OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSS, HENRY IS A GREAT HUMBLE MAN, A TRUE CATHOLIC WARRIOR FOR JESUS, HIS HUGS AT 11:00 MASS WERE SO COMFORTING, HE ALWAYS HAD HIS WAVE A WONDERFUL SMILE, ALWAYS SHARP AS A TACK, HE IS SUFFERING NO MORE, HE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO HEAVEN, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
The OCHOA’S
Joyce, Rick, and Pam, we were deeply saddened to hear of Henry’s passing. He was such a great inspiration to us that will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences goes out to you and your family, and we are sure his memory will forever live on in your hearts. Lawrence, Rachel, and Monique
THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE
The Family of Late Sir Henry Louis Francis,
TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED FATHER AND GRANDFATHER, SIR HENRY LOUIS FRANCIS
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Our beloved Dad and GrandDad, you are indeed a Saint and precious to us all.
We received the shocking news of your passing to eternal glory, with complete devastation. We always simply assumed that you would bounce back from the hospital as you always did. Alas, you are gone and we are in total and utter grief.
About 14 years ago when Phil, Kevin and Wesley relocated to the United States, you and Mom Joyce, were among the first people that welcomed us to St. Joseph Catholic Parish. We had seen you a few times and Phil had pointed out what a lovely couple you were. We admired both of you so much and saw you as role models in marriage and Christian faith.
You agreed to be God parents to Jeremy when he was baptized and from that point on, you adopted us all as your own. You have been involved in our lives, celebrating family events and milestones for our children, Kevin, Wesley and Jeremy (your grandchildren)
You were such a beautiful soul, very jovial, kind, patient, understanding and full of life. You related very well with everyone around you irrespective of sex, age, ethnicity or race. You gave us advice whenever we needed it and you always had a great anecdote to compliment your wise words. Always reaching into your vast experience and knowledge to make things better 76094I others.Â
The last time we saw you was on a Sunday after Mass. You were so happy to see us and grateful for receiving the body of Christ. You brought so much joy to our family and we will keep the fond memories of you to comfort us until we meet you in heaven to part no more.Â
You have left a huge vacuum that can never be filled. We will miss your very unique and comforting voice, we will miss your words of wisdom, your jokes, your stories, your experiences and most of all, your love.
God gives and he takes away. We therefore cannot question Him when the time comes. We are however consoled in the fact that you are now in a better place with the angels, resting in the bosom of our Lord. You will be forever missed but never forgotten! You have left us with so many fond memories and we will always truly cherish you.
Dad, you fought the good fight, you finished the race and you kept the faith.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.†~ 2 Timothy 4:7
You will be forever in our hearts. We love you so much and will miss youðŸ¤
Blessings and love from the Ikowe family: Nick, Phil, Kevin, Wesley and Jeremyâ¤
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Tribute to Grandpa Francis by Kevin Ikowe
Grandpa Francis was a wise, prudent, hardworking man. I had many opportunities to speak with him one-on-one, but the instance I will remember for the rest of my life is when my father, my brothers, and I went to his house to do some yard work for him during the summer before I started my senior year. It was my understanding that we were doing this for him because of his old age and underlying health conditions yet, despite these factors, he spent the better part of an hour outside working beside us in 97 degree heat in the middle of summer.
During this time I spoke to him about my career goals and plans as I was going off to college. He listened quietly as I told him about my plan to join the Marine Corps because that was my aspiration at the time. After listening to me speak, he gently dissuaded me from that path. I knew Grandpa Francis was a military man, so I had no idea why he would not encourage me to follow in his footsteps. I realize today that he said what he said not to try to discourage me, but because he realized the limitless potential I had. He wanted me to use my intellect and strength to do other things. Now I am double majoring at the University of North Texas and aspiring to attend law school.
I am eternally grateful that I had this conversation with him, because if he did not say what he said to make me start thinking, I would probably be in a very different place than I am right now. I will do my best to be someone he would be proud of calling his grandson.
We love you, Grandpa Francis, and my brothers and I will miss you greatly.
TRIBUTE FROM THE FAMILY OF LATE SIR G.L.I. OPIEPE (KSJI) – NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA
Our sincere sympathy to: Mrs Joyce Francis
& the Entire family of Late Sir Henry Francis.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE
We are deeply saddened by the news of the death and sudden transition to eternal glory of Late Sir Henry Francis (Knight of St. Columbus).
He was indeed an Uncle, father, grand father and a source of inspiration and spiritual guidance to all of us from Nigeria and the United States of America.
We pray that the Lord Almighty will grant his beloved wife and children the fortitude to bear this great loss.
Our family contacts with Late Sir Henry Francis’s family was indeed very heart warming and evergreen.
As a devoted Christian – Late Sir Henry Francis demonstrated fatherly love and supports to most members of the christian community in Dallas TX who had come in contacts with him.
He and his beloved wife – Mrs Joyce Francis were the “Adopted Parents, and Grand Parents” to Barr & Dr Mrs Phil Ikowe. The entire Opiepe’s and Ikowe’s families in Nigeria and the United States loved and Cherished him so much. He will be truly missed.
As we honour him during the Visitation – christian wake keep today; may we continue to pray for the repose of his gentle soul to the bosom of his Creator in Jesus mighty name amen.
Adieu.. Sir Henry Francis!!!
SIGNED.
Mr Augustine Oko Opiepe,
On behalf of Late Sir GLI OPIEPE’S Family.
Henry ws one of the most caring gentlemen I ever hsd the plessure of meeting. He was always more worried aboit you thzn himself. I’m sorry God called him home so soon.Lord grsnt his family peace of mind.
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
Video Condolence
My dear friend and brother in Christ we will miss you so much. You have been a great example to all of us who shared in the liturgy. We do not say goodbye we do say till we see you again from two people that love you a lot Frank and Mary Jane Garza
Kathy n Drew II