LA JARA — Francis Allen Faucette passed away quietly on 28 July 2010 in La Jara, Colo. a day after entering the Conejos County Hospital following a week enjoyed at home visiting with many of his large family. He was born on 20 Aug. 1917 in Sanford, Colo. to Dixon Earl Faucette and Florence Cady Cornum Faucette. He married Cora Millie Crowther 11 Sept. 1937 in Sanford and they were sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple, Jan 1938. They had courted for 72 years before Millie passed away in Jan 2005 after a lengthy illness during which Francis gently took care of Millie with exemplary patience and kindness.

As a lifelong resident of Sanford, Colo., Francis will be lovingly remembered and genuinely missed by all that knew him. He was known for his intelligence, his sense of humor, his hard work, and his love of life. The absence of his ever serving hands and devotion to his family will leave a void which will be difficult, if not impossible to fill.

His life was filled with service and sacrifice for others, and a love for and dedication to the Savior, Jesus Christ. He was best known as a father and grandfather. He was most happy when he had his children and grandchildren around him, and he had a special knack for making each one feel special. He was a farmer, a rancher, and also worked for the D&RGW railroad for 34 years. He took great pride in providing meticulous stewardship over his farm, including growing a lush garden free of weeds and making sure his animals were well-fed and taken care of. His gardens were grown from seeds he inherited from his father that he carefully harvested year after year and passed on to his grandchildren. He operated a chicken farm for many years that provided eggs and hens to people all around the San Luis Valley. Francis and Millie spent hour upon hour canning and freezing food that all of his large extended family enjoyed. Francis loved Sanford sports and was all of his grandchildren’s biggest and most loyal fan. He would not miss watching his grandchildren participate in sports from the time they were young pee-wee athletes until they were in high school. Many a Sanford fan and player can remember him honking his cow horn in support of a great play on the baseball or football field. He was also a person who loved fly fishing, gardening, and the out of doors. When it came to casting a fly rod, he was a true artist. He passed on a deep respect for nature and taking care of all of Heavenly Father’s creations. Francis dedicated his whole life to his family, and countless hours were spent in his teaching.

He taught his children and grandchildren to respect and never to talk negative of others, to work hard, and to do their best in everything they pursued and to see it through until they were finished. He believed in education, and expected his family to do their best in school.

Up until his last days, his family went to Francis for advice, love, and support. Through his teaching, he has left a great legacy of hard work, honesty and respect to fellow-men, his love of fly-fishing, animals, gardening, and the importance of family time. Many a member of his posterity can thank Francis for their own ability to catch a fish with a fly or to grow a tomato. As the family says goodbye to the patriarch of their family, may they remember all that Francis and Mille stood for and live that in their own lives.

He is survived by his sons: Dixon and Pat (Ariz.), Walter and Connie (Utah), Glenn and Barbara (Alamosa), Phil and Ginger (Ariz.), Paul and Elaine (Sanford), Kelly and Sharon (Wa.), David and Carolyn (Sanford), Floyd and Roberta (Utah) Faucette and daughter, Cora Ruth and Tom Caldon (Mesita), as well as by 46 grandchildren, over 109 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Fay (Merrill) Hammil (Cali.) and Golda Humphrey (Grand Junction), and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, their son Myron, great-grandson Robbie Smith and brother Reese Earl and sister Mary Cunningham.

The Faucette family would like to thank all those who visited or provided care to Francis and Millie in their later years when health was not in their favor. Francis loved and appreciated his loving care-givers. Thanks to everyone who has provided kind words and support to the family during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held on Mon. 2 Aug at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in Sanford. Viewing will be held Sunday evening, August 1st from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa, and from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Monday, August 2nd prior to the services in the Relief Society Room at the church in Sanford. Interment will follow services in the Sanford Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Manassa is in care of the arrangements.