FRANCIS – Simon J. Francis aged 74 of East Grand Rapids walked on November 4 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents Simon and Dorothy Francis and brother George Francis. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Shirley; children Martin P. Francis George D. (Marianne), Ross A. (Winona) Francis and Maury J. Francis; brother Robert J. Francis; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Simon was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church past president of the Grand Valley American Indian Lodge member of KCOA support staff National Tekawitha Conference and former board member of the East Grand Rapids Parks Commission. An activity that brought Simon great joy was providing programs on local Native American culture to children and various other groups. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday at at St. Stephen Church 750 Gladstone SE. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Tekawitha Conference or a charity of your choice.
