Francis Willard French

Judge Willard French was born August 30, 1933 to James Arthur and Elizabeth French in Fort Worth, TX and passed away on March 8, 2011 at the age of 77.He was a graduate of North Side High School of Fort Worth.

He went to Texas A & M for one semester and then transferred to the Bible Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, graduating in 1956.

While there, he met his future wife, Billie Hubbard and they married on August 6, 1954.They had two sons, Wayne and Robert.

He was pastor at Cheyenne Baptist Temple in Cheyenne, WY from 1961 to 1965 and then moved to Chattanooga, TN where he continued seminary training until 1966.

He was Principal of Temple Heights Christian School in Tampa FL from 1967 to 1968.He later moved to Denver, CO and served as Dean of Denver Baptist Bible College West in 1977.

He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder and received his Masters of Education in 1976.

He moved back to Texas and became Principal of Lewisville Christian Academy and an education lobbyist for Accelerated Christian Education in 1977.

He was appointed as a Denton County Commissioner in the mid 1990’s and elected Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 in 1996 and retired 12 years later.

He married Arleen Hemminghaus of Tempe, AZ on February 1, 2004 and made their home in Show Low, AZ. He also joined and performed with the White Mountain High Country Barbershop Chorus.

Willard is survived by his wife, Arleen; his two sons, Wayne and Robert and their spouses, Diane and Michelle; grandchildren, Heath and Justin; his sister, Mary Elizabeth; Arleen’s children, Paula and Brian Mueller, Jennifer and Jim Lancaster, Lisa and Mike Haines, Henry Hemminghuas, Philip and Debbie Hemminghaus and Andrew Hemminghaus, along with many other nieces, nephews and 11 other grandchildren.

Willard is preceded in death by his parents and siblings James Arthur Jr. and Alice Janette.

Memorial services will be held at 5 pm at Christ Church Lutheran at 3901 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix AZ. 85018.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation is suggested to the School of Christ Church Lutheran (same address as above).

Arrangements under the direction of Melcher Mortuary Chapel of the Roses, Mesa, AZ.