Elisha Louis Francis, 86, passed away on July 5, 2023. He was born on November 13, 1936 in Glenmora, La. to Cazzy and lsabella Bruce Francis. 

In his early career he worked selling insurance, followed by a career at Citgo where he retired as a welder.  He did not stop working after retirement. He was the local “lumberjack,” selling and delivering firewood throughout the area. Louis loved traveling the country with his wife, Ruth, her sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Boots Johnson. 

Aside from his primary joy of spending time with all of his family, Louis loved his dogs, watching LSU sports, and trying to photograph bears (most being large rocks or burnt stumps) on vacation. Although not a cowboy by trade, he was a cowboy at heart, being a member of the Roy Rogers Fan Club and an avid fan of the Cowboy Channel. Never to let anything get the best of him, Louis seized every moment to make a joke and put a smile on everyone’s face. 

Those left to cherish his memory are, his beloved wife of 64 years, Ruth Woodham Francis; his sons, Stan Francis (Pam) and Randy Francis (Sonja); his grandson, Josh Francis; his sister, Marie Pringle; and a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Paula Sue; his siblings, Jimmy Francis, Clennon Ray “Red” Francis, Dorothy Chelette, LaVert Monroe, Pinkie Stephens, and Betty McRight.

His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel, located at 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, La. The Rev. Steve James will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday evening, July 9, 2023 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and will resume on Monday morning at 9 a.m., continuing until the start of the service at 10 a.m.. Burial will be at 3 p.m. in Alexandria Memorial Gardens Cemetery, located at 8855 US Hwy 165, Woodworth, La. under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

The family would like to give special thanks to the healthcare team at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital of Southwest Louisiana. Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, https://alzfdn.org/donate/.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.Johnsonfuneralhome.net