Richard Hickman Francis

Richard “Dick” Francis passed away June 14, 2011, in Mesa, Arizona. Born in Phoenix, Arizona to Louis Lee and Lewie Myrtle Francis, Dick arrived on March 30, 1925. Dick attended Emerson Grammar School, and was in the first class at the newly built North Phoenix High School. He entered the Navy in 1943, stationed on the island of Maui, he served as a Gunnery Instructor. After the war, Dick worked for the City of Phoenix as a bus and street car driver. Later in life he moved to California, and became a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff. In 1976 he retired as a sergeant. After retirement, Dick and his loving wife of 43 years, Joyce, returned to his native Arizona, a state he loved. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Francis, son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Nancy Francis, daughter and son-in-law, Karen Lynn and Rod Nystul, sister, Ruth Brewer, foster daughter, Eileen Whitley and grandchildren, Dillon and Hannah Francis, and Gregory and Kara Nystul. His parents preceded him in death. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 South Power Road Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480)830-4422. Please pay tribute to Dick by visiting the family's website, at www.MariposaGardens.com.