Henry L Francis

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.