CONFIRMED: JD Francis, Retired, Veteran, US Air Force, Korea/Vietnam (69-26) 24 Apr 26
3310 E Commerce St
San Antonio, TX 78220
USA
US AIR FORCE RETIRED VETERAN – KOREAN & VIETNAM WAR’s
The family of Mr. JD Francis, a US Air Force Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services, and the LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
JD Francis was the sixth of nine children born on Friday, April 3, 1931, to George Franklin Francis and Sarah Lavata (Mitchell) Francis. He married Dorothy Mae Christman on June 8, 1952. Together they had and raised one son, John Douglas and three daughters: Joni Lynette, Janis Kay, and Jalanda Denise Francis.
After our kind and wonderful mother transitioned to glory, JD met and married Fayette Hazel Smith, on May 31, 1986. Upon this union, we welcomed our brother Jamie Smith to our family.
He was born in rural Lee County in the community of Sweet Home and that is where he was raised. He graduated from Post Oak School after completing the 10th grade. That was as high as the classes went in those days. He would earn his GED in 1960. Later earning an Associate Degree from Southwest Texas State. JD moved to San Antonio, and lived with his sister Julia (C) for a couple of years. Looking to better himself, he enlisted in the US Air Force (1949) and proudly served his country for 20+ years before retiring as a Master Sergeant in February 1970.
JD entered active duty at Amarillo AFB, TX for basic training. From there he was assigned direct duty assignment to Kadena AB, Okinawa. His subsequent assignments were: Anderson AFB, Guam, Randolph AFB, TX, Kingsland, England, Ardmore AFB, OK, Lowry AFB, CO (3), Zaragosa AB, SP, Lackland AFB, TX, Vandenberg AFB, CA, Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam. Along the way he earned several awards, recognition, and medals: Master Instructor Certificate; Instructor of the Year, Munitions Maintenance, Lowry AFB, CO; 16th Air Force Spanish Language Course; Munitions Officer Course; Missile Maintenance Management Course; Nuclear Weapons Inspection, Maintenance and Loading Certified; National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam; Good Conduct Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal.
JD began his service as a deacon on September 26, 1965. Certification of Ordination signed by the reverend Vern Haynes, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Santa Maria, CA. JD continued to serve in this capacity everywhere he was assigned. He was a longstanding member of 2nd Baptist Church, serving as a deacon. Later when he moved to Beaumont, Texas, his status changed to Deacon Emeritus.
JD is preceded in death by his parents, Professor George Franklin Francis, Sr., Sarah Mitchell Francis, brothers: Eldorado Francis, George Francis Jr., Clinton Francis, Sutton Francis, Marshall Francis and sister, Presiding Elder Julia Francis-Ferguson, and his eldest daughter Joni Francis Olgesy. Lastly, his first love Dorothy (Christman) Francis.
He is survived by his supporting wife of 39+ years, Fayetta (Fay) Francis. Son John Francis (Silvia), San Antonio, TX. Two daughters: Jan (Francis) Buzzell (Byron), Eliot, ME., and Jalanda Francis, Austin, TX. His step-son Jamie Smith (Melanie), Beaumont, TX. Two sisters: Alonia Roberson, Austin, TX, and Alice Brydson, Beaumont, TX. Eleven grandchildren: Carmen Cronin (Jeremy), Eliot, ME., David Jones, Palm Bay, FL., John Francis II, Long Beach, CA., Melissa Fosberg, Jacquelle Francis, Berlin, GER., Michael Niemann, Eliot, ME., Isaac Hudson (Shannon), Palm Bay, FL., Aaron Hudson, Palm Bay, FL., Julian Smith, Beaumont, TX., Justin Smith, Beaumont, TX., Jordan Smith, Beaumont, TX. Eight great grandchildren: Jeremiah, Gabriel, Winter, Joshua Cronin, Micah Cronin, Nathan Cronin, Zoe Smith, Julian Smith Jr. Last but surely not least, Jennifer Ebert, Austin TX, who he loved as a daughter.
JD will be greatly missed by his family, close friends and all who knew him. We will miss his notorious briskets and steaks.
WEATHER: Hi 87 / Lo 70, 0 % Chance of Rain, 90 % Humidity, Wind: 6 mph S
REQUESTOR: John Francis, Son
STAGING: 10:30 am, Friday, April 24, 2026
Second Baptist Church
3310 E Commerce Street
San Antonio, Texas 78220
https://goo.gl/maps/pzPHm8GHbGp
BRIEFING: 10:45 am
SERVICE: 11:30 am
Second Baptist Church
3310 E Commerce Street
San Antonio, Texas 78220
https://goo.gl/maps/pzPHm8GHbGp
KSU: 12:45 pm (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 1:30 pm – Shelter #3 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9
RC: Lisa “Fancy Pants” Menard
pgr.lisamenard@gmail.com
FC: Richard “Bean” Sandoval
Richardsandoval196@hotmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers