Francis H. Church

Francis Church Wyo. Resident 70 Years, Dies

Francis H. Church, 70, a Wyoming pioneer, died at his home in Casper last Thursday following an extended illness.

Funeral services were held Monday from the Peet Chapel with the Rev. Theodore Foster of St. George's Episcopal Church officiating. Burial was in the Lusk Cemetery.

Mrs. Lyle Eddy was organist. Mrs. Hobart Cockreham and Mrs. Emerson Bonner sang "The Old Rugged Cross", "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "This World Is Not My Home".

Pallbearers were: Harlan Lohr, Robert Fancher, Harry Sides, Lee Penn, Warren Robertson and Walter Zerbst.

Francis H. Church was born February 16, 1893 near Laramie Peak, the son of Hial and Viola Gillett Church. In 1894 the family moved to the Kirtley community. In 1917 he and Goldie Boyles were married. After his father's death he operated the family ranch until he moved to Lusk where he operated the Lusk Cafe for several years. Nine years ago he retired and moved to Casper to be near his children.

Mr. Church was accomplished in oil painting and has left many paintings among his family and friends. He was also an accomplished violinist.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Elta Hall of Edgerton and Mrs. Eva Ratcliff of Sinclair; two sons, Richard of Casper and Hial of Buffalo; one sister Mrs. Jessie Golden of Apple Valley, Calif.; and 11 grandchildren.

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