Francis P. Walls

SMSGT (Ret.) Francis P. Walls, 73 of St. Thomas, ND passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at his home in St. Thomas surrounded by his family and Altru Hospice, Grafton, ND. Francis P. Walls was born September 21, 1939 in Walhalla, ND, the son of the late Edward C. and Lillian M. (Bartlett) Walls. As a child he grew up in the surrounding area of St. Thomas. In 1956, at the age of 17, he joined the United States Air Force. Serving his country for 30 years, Francis moved throughout the United States and abroad in different countries. Francis served in Vietnam in 1965 and Thailand in 1974. During his first out of country tour he was based at RAFB Bentwaters, England, where he met his loving and supporting wife Patricia M. Bailey. They were united in marriage on December 9, 1961. From then their family and adventures grew. In his military career he was able to share with his family the opportunity to see parts of the world most people dream about. SMSGT Francis P. Walls became a civilian again November 30, 1986. In retirement, Francis and his family moved back to St. Thomas, ND where he worked for Transystems and Strata Corp until his health forced him to retire again. In this time he was able to spend time with his grandchildren and great granddaughter. Francis liked to spend time fishing, watching NASCAR and just driving around looking at the wildlife with his wife Patricia. Weekend barbecues and holidays were special times that he could spend with his family. And it was a good Superbowl if he didn't bet his grandsons on who would win and then explain to them why they lost. These were moments that he cherished. Francis is survived by his wife Patricia Walls, daughter Julie (Julian) Wangler; son Robert (Ellen) Walls; daughter Kimberly Ward; grandchildren Corey Lowe, Charles Lowe, Joshua Walls, Shawn (Stevie) Ward, Jeffrey Ward and great granddaughter Madysen Ward; siblings: Ray Walls, Donald (Ginger) Walls, Kenneth (Kris) Walls, Phyllis (Ray) Johnson. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Grace Walls, parents Edward and Lillian Walls and sisters Elaine, Shirley and Margaret. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the St. Thomas Catholic Church, St. Thomas, ND. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery, St. Thomas, ND. Military rites will be provided by the Ottum-Ball American Legion Post #168 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.