Vernon Francis, son of the late Joe Francis and Mable Joseph Francis, was born on Nov. 27, 1932, at Frisco, and died at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003, at the age of 70.

Mr. Francis was a member of the Church of the Brethren in Frisco, a retired farmer, a veteran of the United States Army, a member of Dexter Masonic Lodge #532, a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of St. Louis and a member of the Shriners.

Mr. Francis was united in marriage to Louise Causey on Aug. 30, 1952, at Essex. Mrs. Francis survives of the home in Dexter.

Besides his wife, Mr. Francis is survived by two sons, Keith Francis of Ozark and Kevin Francis of Dexter; two brothers, Bill Francis of St. Louis and Don Francis of The Villages, Fla.; one sister, Ruthie Avery of Essex; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003, at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2003, in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Gass officiating.

Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.