He was born April 6, 1924 in Hurricane, Utah to Wilford and Jennie Leota Leany. Francis cherished his youthful days in the red rock and fertile valley where he learned the value of hard work from his father, working on the farm and in the vineyards. His early years were filled with the simple pleasures of life and creating lasting memories with his brothers. His family included Marzelle Covington (Durell), Theron (Helen) and Marion (Dorothy).
Following High School years in Hurricane, Francis enlisted in the Army Air Force where he served valiantly in World War II as a radio specialist on a B17 aircraft. Upon his return home he met Velma Reber, strikingly beautiful girl from Santa Clara. Following their courtship they were married in the St. George LDS Temple on February 23, 1946, and became the parents of seven children: Claire Rigby (Floyd), Gregory (Kathryn), Jeanette Graff (Butch), Valene Walter (Mark), Francene Hanning (Douglas), Sandra Smith (Dave) and Brad (Jolene).
While raising their family, Francis worked as a journeyman painting contractor, and continued his education at the Branch Agricultural College in Cedar City, and at Utah State University in Logan, graduating with a degree in Art Design. Favorite times with his family included hunting, fishing and hiking - never failing to remember from where that abundance and blessings came from. As patriarch of his family, Francis will ever be remembered for his strong testimony and his dedicated service and leadership in the Church. With good character beyond reproach, he was always assisting, comforting, and blessing those who were less fortunate.
Francis had a unique love for nature and God's handiwork and could find beauty in the smallest of creations in the desert or on a mountaintop. He founded L&R Designers in St. George which afforded him the opportunity to use his ability to take natural creations and combine them with color, art and original design which resulted in art pieces and decorating skills that adorned many homes throughout the Southwest today. This unique talent as an interior designer gave him the sacred opportunity of participating in the renovation decoration of the St. George Temple, and the responsibility of the important renovation task of refurbishing and preserving the historic interior of the St. George Tabernacle.
His 88 years confirm his dependence upon growing and consuming only the healthiest of foods. He prided himself in knowing, understanding and living the Lord's Word of Wisdom.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his eternal sweetheart, Velma; and his siblings. For the last thirteen years he was enjoying the companionship of his childhood friend, Evelyn Stout. They have cared for one another and found happiness together.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the St. George LDS Stake Center, 591 West 500 North, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday evening from at Metcalf Mortuary and on Saturday, prior to services at the Stake Center.
Interment will follow at the Santa Clara City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary
He was born April 6, 1924 in Hurricane, Utah to Wilford and Jennie Leota Leany. Francis cherished his youthful days in the red rock and fertile valley where he learned the value of hard work from his father, working on the farm and in the vineyards. His early years were filled with the simple pleasures of life and creating lasting memories with his brothers. His family included Marzelle Covington (Durell), Theron (Helen) and Marion (Dorothy).
Following High School years in Hurricane, Francis enlisted in the Army Air Force where he served valiantly in World War II as a radio specialist on a B17 aircraft. Upon his return home he met Velma Reber, strikingly beautiful girl from Santa Clara. Following their courtship they were married in the St. George LDS Temple on February 23, 1946, and became the parents of seven children: Claire Rigby (Floyd), Gregory (Kathryn), Jeanette Graff (Butch), Valene Walter (Mark), Francene Hanning (Douglas), Sandra Smith (Dave) and Brad (Jolene).
While raising their family, Francis worked as a journeyman painting contractor, and continued his education at the Branch Agricultural College in Cedar City, and at Utah State University in Logan, graduating with a degree in Art Design. Favorite times with his family included hunting, fishing and hiking - never failing to remember from where that abundance and blessings came from. As patriarch of his family, Francis will ever be remembered for his strong testimony and his dedicated service and leadership in the Church. With good character beyond reproach, he was always assisting, comforting, and blessing those who were less fortunate.
Francis had a unique love for nature and God's handiwork and could find beauty in the smallest of creations in the desert or on a mountaintop. He founded L&R Designers in St. George which afforded him the opportunity to use his ability to take natural creations and combine them with color, art and original design which resulted in art pieces and decorating skills that adorned many homes throughout the Southwest today. This unique talent as an interior designer gave him the sacred opportunity of participating in the renovation decoration of the St. George Temple, and the responsibility of the important renovation task of refurbishing and preserving the historic interior of the St. George Tabernacle.
His 88 years confirm his dependence upon growing and consuming only the healthiest of foods. He prided himself in knowing, understanding and living the Lord's Word of Wisdom.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his eternal sweetheart, Velma; and his siblings. For the last thirteen years he was enjoying the companionship of his childhood friend, Evelyn Stout. They have cared for one another and found happiness together.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the St. George LDS Stake Center, 591 West 500 North, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday evening from at Metcalf Mortuary and on Saturday, prior to services at the Stake Center.
Interment will follow at the Santa Clara City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary
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