Francis M. Loomis

  Francis M. Loomis, 98, of Dixon, passed away at 11:20 AM Thursday (April 18, 2014) at Heritage Square in Dixon.

  He was born on November 11, 1915 in Geneva, IL to Clayton E. & Hazel M. (Bowman) Loomis.  He married F. Marie Fechtler on December 1, 1944 while they were both stationed at Camp Pendleton in California.  She preceded him in death in 1982.

  He is survived by two daughters:  Joanna L. (Steve) Cureton of Treasure Island, FL and Susan M. Bechard of Marana, AZ; a son, Dr. Francis M. (Janet) Loomis II of Coal Valley, IL; 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; two sons:  Phillip Francis Loomis and Joseph E. Loomis; a son-in-law, Joseph Bechard; 3 brothers: Clayton E., Joseph & Ralph J. Loomis and a sister Hazel Hall.

  He graduated from Dixon High School and then was employed by the Dixon Post Office until he entered the United States Marine Corps where he served during World War II in the South Pacific Theatre.  Following the service he returned to the Dixon Post Office and became the Post Master in 1971 where he continued until retirement.

  Francis was a member of the Lee County Senior Center.  He has also held the first chair position as a violinist with the Dixon Symphony Orchestra for many years.  He was proud of the fact that he found the mail pouch that was dropped by Charles Lindbergh over Dixon. 

  He had been a member of the Bethel Church in Dixon where he had taught Sunday school for many years and had been the choir director.  He had written and copyrighted over 84 hymns.  He was multi-talented in music having played many different instruments including the harmonica.

  He enjoyed traveling and hunting.  He loved to garden and was always a practical joker.  He was also an avid Bible reader.

  A visitation will be held from 10-11:30 AM Monday at the Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Dixon.  Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Monday at the funeral home with Rev. Randy Sizemore officiating.

  Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon where full military rites will be accorded by the combined Dixon Military ritual teams.

  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Heritage Square in Dixon.

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.chapelhilldixon.com

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