Arthur "Gene" Eugene Francis

Gene Francis

Arthur Eugene "Gene" Francis, a long-time Niobrara County rancher, died Monday, May 13. He was 71.

Mr. Francis was born Aug. 17, 1913 in Atchison, Kan., the son of C. Rhay and Myrtle Francis. The family moved to Hammond, Ind. in 1922, where he attended school. He was graduated from high school there at the age of 16. The family then moved to Wyoming. They homesteaded north of Lusk, where they raised cattle and sheep.

He served as an Army supply sergeant with the 613th Ordinance Battery and Maintenance in the European Theater during World War II. After the war, he worked on pipeline construction between Wyoming and Louisiana. He returned to ranching and operated Francis Drilling Company, drilling water wells for most of the surrounding area.

He married Marjorie B. Kellogg, July 9, 1953, at Edgemont, S.D. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and a son, Doug, both on the family ranch; a daughter, Candy Pettyjohn, of Douglas; two granddaughters, and numerous other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held May 15 at Peet Mortuary Chapel. The Rev. Roy Brown of Edgemont officiated. Burial was in Lusk Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Niobrara County Senior Center.

The Peet Mortuary handled arrangements.

The Lusk Herald
May 16, 1985
Funeral Notice

Services for Gene Francis who died Monday, May 13, will be held at Peet Mortuary Chapel in Lusk, Wednesday, May 15 at 2 p.m.

Mr. Francis ranched in Niobrara County about 50 miles north of Lusk for a number of years. Memorials may be made to the Niobrara Senior Center.

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