Mignon A. Francis

Mignon A. Francis, 76, of Bigelow, will be forever remembered for the love for his family, courageous service to his country, and his passion for politics. He was of the Baptist faith and a long-time member of the Bigelow Baptist Church. Mignon passed away Monday, January 28, 2008. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, and memories of him will always be cherished. Born July 9, 1931 in Bigelow, Arkansas, Mignon was the youngest of nine children and was the only boy. He was adored by his parents and his eight older sisters. He was a graduate of Bigelow High School and went on to attend college at Arkansas Tech. He then joined the United States Navy where he served on the USS Corson for forty-eight months during the Korean War. He was honored by the Navy with an award for a heroic act of bravery when a U.S. Air Force aircraft crashed near his ship. Without hesitation and despite highly flammable material, he entered the water and helped recover the victims of the crash. All personnel were rescued. In the years he served our country Mignon formed life-long bonds with his fellow servicemen. His involvement in the Republican Party began with the Winthrop Rockefeller Administration where Mignon served as Governor Rockefeller's personal Administrative Assistant. In this position he represented the Governor at various political events throughout the country. At the Governor's request, Mignon had the privilege of accompanying Mrs. Rockefeller to the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Atlanta, Georgia and participating in a three and a half mile walk in the procession honoring Dr. King. At the end of the Rockefeller Administration Mignon returned to his roots in Bigelow. In 1974 he ran for state representative but was defeated by incumbent Paul Van Dalsem. Although he was not successful in this race, through his campaign he was able to enlighten the people of Perry County of the corruption and abuse of power in their current local government, and was able to begin to change the minds of Perry County residents about their current representation, which paved the way for positive change in Perry County politics. Among his many accomplishments, Mignon was a proud member of the East End Masonic Lodge #758 and was a 32nd degree mason, and through his involvement in freemasonry, was able to make positive contributions to his community. In the early 1980's he began a career as an investment broker and remained in this field until retirement. Mignon was just as comfortable shaking hands with Presidents or selling securities by phone, but he was most at home on his farm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gola Holland Francis and Wes Francis, daughter Suzanne Riley, sisters Mada Bishop, Automease Williams, Monteen Baker, Loease Woodall and Verna Cobb-Fisher. He is survived by son Michael Francis, daughter Holly Francis, grandsons Ryan Welter and Dylan Doughty, granddaughter Madelyn James, sisters Freeda Batson, Ilene Windle and Juanita Powell. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 1, 2008, at the First Baptist Church in Bigelow with Dr. Bill Brown officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery near Bigelow, by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 31, 2008, at the funeral home in Morrilton. Memorials may be sent to Baptist Hospice

Mignon A. Francis

July 9, 1931 - January 28, 2008