Sergeant First Class Francis Lester Demory, 78, husband of Anna Lee (Ellison) Demory of 1214 Donaghe Street passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011 in the Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville.

Mr. Demory was born December 25, 1932 in Jefferson County, WVA, a son of the late Garland Lester and Edith Virginia (Milburn) Demory.

Sgt. Demory retired from the United States Army and while in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for service above and beyond the call of duty. He retired from Western State Hospital and was a member of the Cherryvale United Methodist Church, the Elks Lodge #351, the American Legion and Verona VFW Post #10826. He was a Great Dad and Grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Marvin and George Demory and a sister, Emma Shade.

Surviving in addition to his wife of fifty years are two sons, David L. Demory and Bryan E. Demory both of Staunton; a daughter, Brenda D. Law of Staunton; a sister, Ruby Lewis of Hagerstown, MD; five grandchildren, Ben Demory, April Strickler and her husband Brian, Molly Law, Sarah Law and Jessica Law; a great-grandchild, Reese Strickler also survives.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2011 in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. DeBorah F. Barnwell.

Burial will follow in Oaklawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens with Military Rites provided by the United States Army Honor Guard.

Active pallbearers will be Frank Lockhart, Jim Wuertz, Marian Neff, Tom Rozak, Steve Chambers and Buddy Hutchens.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Elks Lodge.

The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2011 in Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory or the residence at other times.

It is suggested those desiring to make memorial contributions to Cherryvale United Methodist Church, 709 Cherry Hill Drive, Staunton, Virginia 24401 or the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, Post Office Box 215, Fishersville, Virginia 22939.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.