Joseph Gerald "Joe" Francis

ARLINGTON -- Joseph Gerald “Joe” Francis, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 7, 2016 in Arlington. Services: A vigil will be held at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway in Arlington on Thursday, August 11, from 6 - 8p.m. with a rosary beginning at 6pm. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd., Arlington with Rev. Thomas Craig, celebrant, Friday, August 12 at 11 a.m. There will be a luncheon following the ceremony in the parish hall. A private interment will be held at Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211, Monday, August 22. Memorials: Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345. Joe was born on April 26, 1932 in Chicago, Ill to Joseph Franz Francis and Margaret Greenaburg Francis, and lived there for 34 years. He became a resident of Levittown, NY in 1966 and moved to Arlington, TX in 1973. Joe was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War as a control tower operator. He was a flight crew analyst for American Airlines, retiring after 38 years. Joe and wife Rose Marie, were founding members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where Joe served as president of the parish council and president of men's club. He and Rose Marie are the founders of the Ulster Project in Arlington (an international ecumenical peacemaking organization). In addition, Joe served on the Bishop's ecumenical committee for the diocese of Ft. Worth, and as membership chairman for the Knights of Columbus. One of his proudest accomplishments was as head coach, leading the Cardinals to a Little League city championship in 1976. Survivors: Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rose Marie Francis; sons, Joseph H. Francis and wife, Cindy; David M. Francis; and daughter Mary Elizabeth Francis LaTour; 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and sisters Shirley Pergler and Donna Saboe. Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233