Mr. Francis Clarkson

May 12, 1924 - April 06, 2013

Francis R. Clarkson, 88, of North Vernon, passed away at 1:28 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Jennings Healthcare Center.

Born May 12, 1924 in Letts, IN, Francis was the son of the late John Olin and Bessie Mae Deppe Clarkson. He served his country during World War II in the United States Navy on the cruiser, USS Cleveland. He was married to Madean Ferrell Maxam, whom survives.

Mr. Clarkson had been a member of the North Vernon Masonic Lodge #59 of which he was a 50 year member and Master Mason. He had also been a member of the Morgantown, KY Nazarene Church and Morgantown Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2009, the Morgantown chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution's prestigious award "Veteran of the Year" was bestowed upon him. Francis enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching basketball games, traveling, camping, square dancing, and woodworking.

Mr. Clarkson is survived by his wife Madean Clarkson of North Vernon, two daughters, Neysa Mae Harsh Cumberworth of North Vernon and Colleen Fay (Daniel) Gatewood of Westport, a son, Stanley Ray Clarkson of Columbus, 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and his first wife, Virginia Clarkson Mason.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Belinda Kay Clarkson, two brothers, William E. Clarkson and Allen O. Clarkson, and two sisters, Betty L. Voss and Mary Bland.

Funeral Information

A Masonic service and memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral & Cremation Service in North Vernon with Masonic Rites provided by North Vernon Lodge #59. Officiating the memorial service will be the Revs. Connie Barr and Valerie Hardison. Family and friends will gather from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Donations Information

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Riley Hospital for Children or the American Diabetes Foundation.