Francis Halsmer

Francis P. Halsmer, 96, of Largo, FL. and formerly of Lafayette, died at The Barrington Health Care Center in Largo, FL. 4:27 PM Thursday October 13, 2011. Mr. Halsmer was born in Lafayette, IN. April 18, 1915, the son of the late John and Roselia Metzger Halsmer and was a graduate of St. Francis High School in Lafayette. He married Louise F. Vacca in Chicago, IL. July 13, 1946, and she survives. Mr. Halsmer served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1970 as a Lt. Colonel. During World War II, he was a "hump" pilot, flying in the China-Burma-India Theatre. Mr. Halsmer was a pilot, and former owner of Halsmer airport in Lafayette. He was a member of St. Rafael Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, FL., and while residing in Lafayette, was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church; the Lafayette Chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Association; and the Air Force Association. Surviving with his wife are 2 daughters, Patricia Bush (husband James) of West Lafayette, IN.; Roseanne Halsmer of St. Petersburg, FL.; 2 sons, Louis Halsmer (wife Judy) of Holiday, FL.; James Halsmer ( wife Cynnie) of Indianapolis, IN.; and 2 sisters, Loretta Sosdian (husband John) of Tinton, Falls, N. J.; & Sister Marianna Halsmer of Los Angeles, CA. and a sister-in-law, Josephine Halsmer Mangus of West Lafayette, IN.; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Halsmer and 2 brothers, John & Joseph Halsmer. The Rosary service will be held at 4:45 PM Wednesday, followed by visitation until 7:00 PM Wednesday at the HAHN-GROEBER FUNERAL HOME, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, St. Boniface Catholic Church, Fr. Jeff Martin officiating, with interment in St. Boniface Cemetery, with military graveside rites. If friends desire, memorials may be made to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL. 33760 or to St. Rafael Catholic Church, St. Petersburg, FL. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com