Francis William Carson of St. George, Utah, peacefully passed away Monday, October 19, 2026, one month short of his 99th birthday, in his own home and in the presence of family.

Born November 23, 1927, in Palmyra, Missouri, to Harry Lee Carson and Lulu Triplett, he was raised on a farm near Philadelphia, Missouri, and attended Ewing Elementary School. In that rural community, Ewing Elementary had only one teacher – Deane Ball – whom Francis revered as a wonderful man and mentor. Francis loved school and played on the school’s softball team. From 1941 to 1945, Francis attended Philadelphia High School. On May 11, 1945, he graduated valedictorian of his class of 8 students.

Pearl Harbor and the events of World War II impacted his life significantly. With the permission of his father, Francis enlisted in the Navy in June 1945. His first assignment, from October 1945 to May 1946, was working at the Personal Effects Center on Farragut Naval Air Station in Idaho. Later, he served a short stint at Clearfield, Utah, before being honorably discharged from active duty in August 1946.

Francis returned to his boyhood home, and worked for several years on his parents’ farm and with his brother-in-law at a gas station in Quincy, Illinois. Soon wider horizons beckoned, and he rejoined the Navy in November 1949.

Over the next twenty years, Francis served his country on both land and sea, including 5 ships (such as the USS Thomas F. Nickel) and 2 aircraft carriers, the USS Midway and the USS Coral Sea. On shore he was officer-in-charge at 3 commissary stores in California. Early in his naval career, he met Margaret Welsh, who worked at the U.S. Navy Shipyard at Hunter’s Point. They fell in love and were married on January 24, 1953.

Francis received numerous medals throughout his career, including the World War II Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal as Senior Asst. Supply Officer aboard the USS Coral Sea. Last year, he was presented with a Quilt of Valor and the Utah Cold War Victory Medal at a ceremony at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins. Francis retired from the Navy on September 1, 1969, having achieved the rank of Lt. Commander.

Afterwards, Francis obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and became business manager of Head-Royce School in Oakland, California.

Francis always felt his success was due in large part to the support and devotion of his wife Margaret and the love of his family.

In retirement, Francis read, traveled and enjoyed the good life in his home and yard in St. George. He remained engaged, supporting people in need and contributing to numerous charitable organizations. He promoted the blessings of Liberty and the American way of life to everyone he met. He was known to all for his generosity and kind spirit.

Francis is survived by five children, four grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret, his mother and father, and his sister.

Funeral services will be held for Francis at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Spilsbury Mortuary on 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. Interment will follow at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences and sign Francis’ online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com