Avery V. Francis was listed as a “salesman” in the 1907 Marion City Directory. His parents are Chester G. & Elma (Washburn) Francis.

It appears that Avery V. Francis was sent overseas on 30 June 1918, departing from New York, New York. He sailed aboard the RMS Mauretania while assigned to the 54th Engineers. While in Europe he served with Company B, 54th Battalion of Engineers. He was also listed as departing the United States aboard the Antrim. It is not known if one of these ships started her voyage and was forced to return to port, thus causing Francis to reboard the other vessel.

While serving as a Private in Europe, Francis became ill and died on 9 November 1918. Cpl. Francis died of hydrocephalus. On 11 November 1918, the remains of Cpl. Francis were buried in St. Denis French Cemetery. On 22 June 1922, his remains were reburied in Saint Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial.

It appears that his mother, Elma Francis, made the World War One Gold Star Mother’s Pilgrimage. This was a program that mother’s and surviving widows were able to go visit the overseas graves of there deceased veterans. His mother appears to have made the pilgrimage on 6 May 1931, aboard the George Washington.

Cpl. Avery V. Francis is buried in Saint Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial, Thiaucourt-Regnieville, Departement deAvery V. Francis is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; and on the World War One Honor Roll, located on the second floor of the Marion County Courthouse. Meurthe-et-Moselle, Lorraine, France.