Francis Lee Johns

Francis Lee Johns, 75, of Midland, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2010. A memorial mass will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Ann's Catholic Church, followed by a luncheon reception at the parlor, with Monsignor Larry Droll officiating. Francis is survived by his wife, Sue Wink Johns, his four daughters and four son-in-laws: Brenda and Travis Stice of Midland, Patricia and Bryan Lambert of Sugar Land, Donna and Cavan McMahon of Fredericksburg, Paula and Chris Mackey of Midland. His 10 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Matthew, and Luke Stice; Michelle, Paige, and Heath Lambert; Carly and Kate McMahon; Preston and Pierce Mackey. His 5 siblings: Libbi and Desmond Johns, Rosie and Edwin Johns, Carolyn and Lester Johns, Edna and Doug Brownlow all of Floresville, Texas, and Joyce and Herman Hoffman of Panhandle, Texas. Francis was always the favorite uncle to his 14 nephews and 6 nieces.He was preceded in death by his parents, two nephews, a niece, and a sister-in-law. Francis was born August 9, 1934 to Bruno and Edith Johns in Calaveras, Texas. He graduated from Floresville High School in 1952 and Texas A&I Kingsville in 1958 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He began his career in the oil industry in Owensboro, KY, where he met and married Sue on July 29, 1961. His career took him offshore in Louisiana and Texas. He then moved to Big Spring and finally to Midland in 1972. His work in the chemical sales and service fields allowed him to enjoy the outdoors and wildlife. After 50 years of working in a profession he loved, he retired on September 1, 2009. Francis always said a person should have a vocation and an advocation and he spent his free time pursuing many different interests. He played slow-pitch softball from childhood until age 65 when he then became the fan of his grandchildren's different activities. He was honored in the Midland Slow Pitch Hall of Fame. Over the years, Francis' teams would be made up of players 20 to 30 years younger than him. His teammates always said there was never an age gap on the playing field. He began running in 1980 and it evolved into a competitive sport, which included half-marathons and marathons, race walking, triathlons, and track and field events. Together Francis and Sue ran in a total of 37 states. All five granddaughters developed Francis' love of running and all have completed many races.He was also an avid hunter. Over the years, he had several leases that he shared with some of his best buddies. His family spent many weekends there, as well. He passed on his love of hunting to his grandsons.Francis was very proud to be an alumnae of Texas A&I. He was a Century Club Member, served on the Alumnae Board of Directors, and attended numerous homecomings. His college buddies have remained lifelong friends. In 1995, Francis and Sue built a ranch home on family land in Floresville. This ranch has been the center of many family and friend gatherings. It is the biggest gift Francis gave his children and grandchildren as he shared his love of wildlife and nature. Francis and Sue also found many new friends as they joined several dance clubs in West Texas. The Tuesday Night Dance was their favorite group. Francis was a member of St Ann's Catholic Church and for the past 20 years has enjoyed being part of a 12 couple "Share and Care" small community group. This group has been like an extended family.Francis faced the challenges of Alzheimer's with dignity and courage. He fought a good fight to the end and passed away peacefully.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to: Bynum School, PO Box 80175, Midland, Texas, 79708, or the charity of your choice.The family is very thankful to Dr. Shylesh Ganta and the staff at the Inpatient Unit of Hospice for their care and guidance.,