Joseph Francis

Joseph "Joe" Francis was born April 26, 1921 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Nellie (Prather) Francis. He passed from this life Monday, January 28, 2008 at the age of 86. Joe was raised in Norman, OK and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Oklahoma where he was also member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, and received his Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown University. He served his country in the US Army during World War II and was recognized for his work in Military Intelligence, specifically in cryptanalysis devising a method for breaking enemy codes. He again served in the military during the Korean War.

Although Joe referred to himself as "just a country lawyer," he was fluent in five languages and his colleagues referred to him as "a lawyer's lawyer." Joe was very successful in his law practice and was active in the Tulsa community as a member of the St. John Medical Center Foundation and The Tulsa Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Wingfield Francis in 1999 and his brother, William Prather Francis. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jody and Don Humphrey and their children Eric, Kevin and Whitney Humphrey, all of Owasso, OK; son, Randy Francis and his children, Nick and Barrett Francis, all of Tulsa.

Visitation will be Thursday with the funeral service 11:00 am Friday, February 1, 2008, both at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to Sojourn Care Tulsa, 1831 East 71st Street, Suite 301, Tulsa, OK 74136.