| Francis Keith LaPin |
| HARLINGEN, TX - Francis Keith LaPin age 67, a former resident of several towns in the U.P., died suddenly Tuesday morning, April 1 1997, in Harlingen Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 5, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey with Reb. Father Guy Thoren officiating. Visitation will precede the Mass from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the church. Francis was born November 26, 1929 in Calumet, Mi. Mr LaPin grew up in the Michigamme area, after graduating from Michigamme High School in 1948, he joined the Air Force for a career lasting 28 years, he served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and he was stationed in eight states and three foreign countries during his tour of duty. Francis LaPin was last stationed at K.I. Sawyer AFB, and after retirement as a senior master sergeant, he worked for the Marquette County Housing Commission for ten years. A member of the Knights of Columbus, he attended St Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey where he and his wife of 47 years, Leila Herrala LaPin of Palmer made their home between visits to their children in other states. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Air Force Sergeants Association, Marquette area square dance groups, and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Besides his wife Leila, he is survived by five children Chrystal Franklin of Plainview, TX, Mrs Victoria (Brent) Rose of Anchorage, AK, Mrs Gayle (Jim) Martin of Newport Beach, CA, Mrs Yvette (Dale) Hobbs of Huston, TX, and Mr. Val (Suzy) LaPin of Watertown, Wi, as well as seven grandchildren Cadet 1C Dan Franklin, Elizabeth Franklin, Mark Franklin, Megan Rose, Amber Rose, Joshua LaPin and Adam LaPin. Mr. LaPin is also survived by his sister, Mrs. Phylis (Howard) Leggett of Horton, Mi, a sister-in-law, Patricia LaPin of Marquette, and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Felix and Charlotte (Perry) LaPin as well as a brother Lyle LaPin. Funeral arrangements are provided by Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home of Ishpeming. |