Francis Naville

On Monday, July 30, 2018, Francis Naville, loving husband and father passed away at the age of 95. Francis was born on August 4, 1922 in Tab, IN to the late Clarence V. and Dorothy Poutz Naville and was a graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School. He proudly served his country in the Marines during WW2 and was a successful entrepreneur who owned several businesses including Best-Bilt Cash and Carry Lumber Inc. and Navco Inc. On September 16, 1950 he married Florence Gerlach. They raised three sons, David, Gary and James, and one daughter, Nancy. Francis enjoyed airplanes and flying. He owned various aircraft and used them for business and pleasure. He traded in the used aircraft market with Michael Hunsberger buying and selling all levels of aircraft from small single engine to corporate planes. He was also a successful commercial and residential real estate developer with Richard Leill developing several commercial parks and subdivisions in the Lafayette area. Francis was a hard worker his whole life, he always had a work project underway. He lived in his home and could routinely be seen doing yard work at 95 years old. Francis was preceded in death by his wife Florence, his brother Clarence, sisters Dolores and Rita. He is survived by his four children, David of Monticello, IN, Gary and his wife Deborah of San Antonio, TX, Nancy of White Post, VA, and James of West Lafayette, IN; six grandchildren Lisa, Joseph, Brenda, Alysia, Christopher, and Dawn; and two great grandchildren Raven and Erin. Friends may call at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lafayette from 10:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM Friday August 3, Fr. Kyle P. Neterer officiating. The interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 11. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home of Lafayette is honored to care for the Naville family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com