James Edward ''Eddie'' Francis

FRANCIS, JAMES EDWARD “EDDIE” James Edward Francis age 77, of Houston formerly of Waco, Texas passed away Saturday, January 11, 2003 at a Houston hospital. Graveside services will be held at 2:00p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at Mart Cemetery. Mr. Francis was born May 11, 1925 in Mart, Texas. He enlisted in the Navy January 1943 and received an honorable discharge January 1946. He re-enlisted in July 1951 and left with an honorable discharge July 1955. Mr. Francis served proudly on the destroyers, USS Cowell and USS Neches A047, which was known for receiving nine Battle Stars for World War II and made many lasting friendships that have followed him through the years. After the Navy, Mr. Francis attended Baylor University and the University of California at Berkley. Mr. Francis made his home in Walnut Creek, California and worked as a sheet metal worker until his retirement. He moved back to Houston, Texas in 1998 and now returns home to Mart, Texas. Mr. Francis is preceded in death by his father and mother, Oscar Mills Francis and Eva Ingram Francis, his brother, O.M. Francis and two sisters, Molly Lee Francis and Margaret Francis Etheridge. Survivors include his loving sister, Dorothy Francis Hutcheson of the Woodlands, Texas; aunt, Carrie Ingram Finley of Farmers Branch, Texas and many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice in lieu of flowers. Memorial guestbook at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY