Archived Services

Francis X. DeMar
12-08-2010

In 1914, he came into this world determined to be all he could be, now, ninety years later, he's all that and more, his friends and his family agree. Francis X. DeMar is an honest man, a man you are glad to know. He's spent his life, not in the crowd, but as a player in the show. And, all that he's done, he's done so well from husband, to father and friend. Of all the talents this one man has there will never be an end. Francis believes in in family, giving all the love he can, Francis believes that love and caring are part of being a man. And, Francis has faith in God that leads him along the way. He knows the path that he has be given is the path on which he will stay. Francis is always thinking or he might be reading a book, or maybe he's giving the Twins or the Canaries another look. A traveler, a devout Catholic with ties to Rome, and a teacher, too. It seems there is almost nothing Francis X. DeMar can't do. His mind is always open, he finds good, no matter how small. He treats others the way that's right, he has empathy for one and all. And, boy, does he love those pies, but the slices left behind must be even. So, to make this happen he trims them up and goes ahead and eats them. A lover of music, Francis loves concerts, to the symphony he loves to listen, or a classical piece and music that's jazz, will certainly make his eyes glisten. Francis, you worked for 35 years at John Morrell's meat packing plant. You've earned your dues, you've done it so well, never quit, never said "I can't". So, to you on this day, your family and friends really want you to know, there is nothing more important in this life you do than show the love that you show. And you've done this first ninety years so well, why not go for ninety more. And live them each one just like these, live them all like you lived them before. (From his ninetieth birthday) Francis is survived by one sister: Charlotte; two sons: Bobby and Paul; five daughters: Rita, Carlotta, Cathy, Johnetta and Marie; forty-one grandchildren; sixty-eight great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Dixie (Shaw) DeMar, his wife, Lettie Mae Shaw DeMar, three sisters, one son Larry and one daughter, Doris. Visitation will be Monday, 5 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 10 AM at St. Joseph Cathedral.