Donald Spencer Francis

Donald Spencer Francis, 75, died Monday October 28, 2024 at his home with his family. Don was born in Stibnite, Idaho on August 31, 1949 to Conrad and Deloris Francis. He was the second of eight children.

Don grew up primarily in the Antelope Valley in California. He had difficulty in school and faked it and clowned off, memorizing the books that were sent home to practice, so that it was not discovered that he could not read until 3rd grade. He did enjoy sports and was first to get a varsity letter in the new high school he attended. He always said he warmed the bench in football (he didn’t weigh much, not cut out for football) but excelled in wrestling. He also claimed he could do back hand springs the entire length of a football field at one point in his life, but we can’t confirm or deny it. He was in the first graduating class of Quartz Hill High in California in 1967. He graduated from Chico State University with a BA in Social Sciences, from National University with a MA in Counseling, and from Air Command and Staff College with an MA in Military Arts and Science.

Don married Julia Robinson on April 1, 1972 in the Los Angeles Temple for time and eternity. They were each other’s lifetime companions and friends. They were blessed with four children: Donald, Laura, Thomas, and Rachel.

Don served four years in the Air Force both in England and at Edwards AFB. After completing his Bachelors and MA degrees he was endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve as Chaplain in the Navy. During his time in the Navy and Naval Reserves he served with the Marines and Coast Guard as well as in Navy housing in San Diego. Don worked as a Chaplain in one capacity or another for 41 years. He served a mission with the Military Relations Committee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He set up a volunteer Chaplain program in Queen Creek, Arizona for the Banner Ironwood Hospital when it first opened. He most recently served as Chaplain for the Ivans Veteran home. He also worked in Civil Service for the Air Force for many years as Director of Family Support Centers on 5 different bases. He loved his work and loved helping people.

One of Don’s favorite activities was fishing and he loved telling his fishing stories. He is also well known for his “fisherman handshake”. He really did catch a beautiful 25-inch rainbow trout at Quail Creek Reservoir. Don also loved to play games and even created some and expanded others. He created some amazing art made of tiny dots with colored zig pens. He was also a prolific doodler in school and in meetings as it helped him concentrate.

Don was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission to the Southern States from 1968 to 1970. His favorite place to serve in the church was as branch president for a single adult branch in San Angelo, Texas. He served in three branch presidencies, four bishoprics, and in many other leadership positions. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and he loved teaching it.

Don is survived by his wife Julia (Robinson) Francis, and his four children Donald (Andrea) Francis, Laura (Allen) Norton, Thomas (Kelli) Francis and Rachel (Nick) Jones. He is survived by his brothers William, Walter (Sue), Robert (Sawa), and Edward. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren.

Don will especially be remembered for his love of The Savior, his wife, his family, and really anyone he met.

Funeral services will be Saturday November 2nd Viewing 9:30-10:15 and Funeral 10:30 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1625 Lava Flow Drive, St. George, Utah 84770. Military honors and graveside dedication will follow at the Tonaquint Cemetery.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Hughes Mortuary, 1037 East 700 South, St. George, Utah, (435) 674-5000. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local food bank or a charity of your choice.

The Francis family would like to thank all who have blessed our lives during Don's illness and at his passing. We would like to especially thank Hughes Mortuary, the Intermountain Health Cancer Center doctors and staff, Applegate Hospice, Zion's Way Home Health Care, as well as the countless others who have offered their services, their kindnesses, and their prayers. Each of you has made our road a little easier and our burdens a little lighter so that we could experience joy in the journey.