Arven Francom Obituary (1915 - 2006)

Born March 27, 1915 in Provo, Utah. Died July 7, 2006 in Rock Springs, WY. Survived by one daughter Ann Keyes and friend Marty Wiley, formerly Judith Francom Vehar of San Diego, CA and twin sons, Ronald Francom and Paulette of Midvale, UT and Richard Francom and Dorrene of Green River. Twelve grandchildren: Mark Vehar , Laurel Vehar Towne, Lynne Vehar Grayson, Laine Vehar, Richard Francom, Angela Francom Corona, Melanie Francom, Ronald Francom, Reid Francom, Raymond Francom , Cody Francom and eleven great grandchildren. An older sister, Mildred Smith of Pleasant Grove, UT and a younger brother, Earl Francom of Salt Lake City, UT, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his wife Mozelle , grandson Royce Francom an older sister, Erma, an older brother Max, and a younger sister Venice. Mr. Francom was raised in Provo, UT and Los Angeles, CA; as a student he played drums and was drum major for his high school band in Provo, UT. He served in the Army in 1936 and 1937. He was stationed at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City. One of his duties was as drum major in the Army Band at Fort Douglas. During that time he met and married Meta Mozelle Hunter, April 10, 1937. He attended mortuary school in St. Louis, MO for eighteen months in 1940-41. Mr. Francom moved to Green River in 1946 from Laramie. WY, where he worked as a switchman for the railroad. He moved to Salt Lake City in 1948 where he attended barber school. He returned to Green River in 1950 where he bought the Sanitary Barbershop from Carl Morck, Sr. and George Harris. In 1952 he went into partnership with Bill Villanova and opened the first mortuary for the town of Green River. He served many local families with compassionate and professional care of their loved ones. Mr. Francom and was a member of various civic organizations such as the Jaycees. He was a former member of the Green River City Council in the 1970’s. He was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in various leadership positions. He sang bass in the Ward Choir. Mr. Francom loved the Constitution of the United States and the principles upon which the country was founded and was a fervent patriot. His motto: ‘ there is no such word as can’t’. He will be greatly missed by his family. He was a hard worker all of his life. Mr. Francom was very innovative and demonstrated great ingenuity and initiative in developing and conducting his businesses. He personified all of the qualities of Americas Greatest Generation.