Thomas J. Francis, 91, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on January 27, 2019 at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Center, Texas. He was born in Goreville, Illinois on March 10, 1927 to Thomas Jefferson Francis, Sr. and Afton Marie Sullivan. A private burial will be held at a later date. 

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Francis of Joaquin, Texas. They met while Thomas was working in the oil fields in West Texas and were married a few months later. They had a lovely 42 years together. They moved back to Shelby County where they resided for 35 years. Thomas loved to fish, doing wood work and building furniture. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, John P. Mays of North West Arkansas, Jimmy Mays and wife, Geneva of Shreveport, Louisiana, James Mays of Marianna, Florida, Alvin Mays and wife, Susie of North West Arkansas; sisters-in-law, Delores Morris of California, Carolyn Brocato of Las Vegas, Nevada, Linda Mays of North West Arkansas and Eloise Mays of North West Arkansas; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. 

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.