Rouse, Francis Clair Sr.

Francis Clare Rouse, Sr. Quartermaster Chief Petty Officer- USN 
Retired Born August 20, 1921 in Charles City, Iowa, passed away 
at home in East Palo Alto (EPA), CA on September 3, 2010 at the 
age of 89. His remarkable life was highlighted by his personal 
citation from ADM Chester Nimitz for 'heroic conduct and 
meritorious service" on the aircraft carrier Yorktown during the 
World War II Battle of Midway, considered the greatest naval 
victory in U.S. history. His great heroics in that battle are just an 
example of how he lived his entire life. He was devoted to God, 
family, country and neighbor and was a shining example to his 
10 children and countless others of living a good life. He worked 
many years as a machinist with Litton Industries, San Carlos, 
taught upholstery classes in San Mateo County, and was Chief 
Quartermaster in the US Navy Reserve (38 years). He was a proud 
60 year resident of EPA and its contribution to racial equality and 
brotherhood. He was a founding parishioner of St. Francis of 
Assisi Church in EPA. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 
66 years, Elaine, his children, Francis Jr., (Kristine), Lawrence, 
Mary Ann, Margaret, Anthony (Debora), Teresa, Virginia, Joseph 
(Barbara), Elizabeth (Kevin Hurley), and Rebecca (John Fox), his 
many grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother Ronald 
Huffman, and beloved nieces, nephews, and relatives. A rosary 
will be held Friday 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1425 
Bay Road, EPA. A second rosary will be held Saturday at 10:00 
a.m., followed by remembrances, with Mass at 11:30 a.m. 
Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Menlo Park. Reception 
will follow at Roller Hapgood & Tinney Funeral Chapel, 980 
Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94301. Memorial contributions 
may be sent to the St. Vincent de Paul St. Francis Chapter, 1425 
Bay Rd., EPA 94303 to help the poor. 
www.rollerhapgoodtinney.com 

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on September 9, 2010