Francis E. Youssi, 88, of Batavia, Ill., passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, Feb. 16, at Delnor Hospital in Geneva. He was born on July 11, 1923, in Menomonie, Wis., the son of Edward G. Youssi and Wanda (Hendrickson) Youssi.

His family moved to Batavia in 1925, where he resided until his death. Francis graduated from Batavia High School in 1941 and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign until he was drafted in January 1943. He served in the U.S. ArmyAir Corps as a gunner, bombardier and navigator in the 441st and 442nd squadron of the 320th Bomb Group in the 12th Air Force and later in the 1st tactical division stationed in Sardinia, Corsica and France, during World War II. He flew 63 missions in total and earned the rank of Technical Sergeant.

After the war ended, he attended Aurora College and earned his bachelor of science degree. He then attended law school at DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, where he graduated first in his class in 1950. His love of Batavia brought him back to the community, and he opened his solo law practice at the First National Bank Building in downtown Batavia. He also opened a branch office in Aurora at the Law Office of Beamisch, Edwards and Brunnemeyer. He met the love of his life, Frances Gittleson of DeKalb, in 1950, and they were married in 1952 in Creston. They were inseparable until her death in 1997.

Francis operated his law business for more than 60 years, welcoming his daughter, Cathy Youssi Searl, as a partner in 1984. He partially retired in 2011 but never fully left the practice. Francis was an active member of the community for many years. He served as city attorney for the city of Batavia from 1955-1964 and was instrumental in the initial development of the Batavia Shopping Plaza, which broke ground in 1962. He was hailed for his efforts in redeveloping the business district in downtown Batavia, helping to bring Jewel Food Store to Batavia in 1963. According to the late Mayor Swanson, Francis "spent hours, days and nights working to get it pulled together for the city."

He was recognized for the tremendous amount of time he devoted to legal matters in connection with the A&P project and the area known as "the Pond." Francis resigned his position as city attorney in 1964 when he was elected to the Board of Directors of Batavia Savings & Building Association. He served as a director and attorney for Batavia Savings until it was sold in 1992. He was a board member of the Tri City Family Project, and sat on the Citizen's Advisory Board of Aurora College for many years. He was a team leader in the Wayside Cross Rescue Mission Community Campaign and was involved in that drive for more than 30 years.

He served on the Council of Aging for 10 years and was instrumental in the effort to bring Riverain Point to Batavia. Francis was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aurora for more than 50 years and recently attended Batavia United Methodist Church where he attended Thursday school as a child. He served as youth director at Our Savior, vice chairman of the Church Council and chairman of the Endowment Committee. In addition, he donated his time and legal services to other churches in the Batavia area throughout his career.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends, and he led an active life until his death. He was a loving father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. First and foremost, however, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and he lived his faith in his daily life and in his practice. He was a gentle soul, and his community, church and family all benefited from his devout faith, continued support and loving heart.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Richard) Damon of Batavia; daughter and law partner, Cathy Searl, and son-in-law, Ron Searl, of Batavia; grandson, Andrew Tannhauser (fiancée, Emily Pattinson); grandson, Ronald Searl; grandson, Nicholas Damon; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, including his special friend, Merlyn Kadlec; close friend, Bill Koester, who was like a son; and his beloved Pomeranian, Korbin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Wanda Youssi; his beloved wife, Fran; her parents, Gitle and Celia Gittleson; a twin brother who died at birth; a sister who died at birth; and an infant grandson. Contributions in his memory can be made to Batavia United Methodist Church; Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church in Aurora; the Batavia Food Pantry; or Disabled American Veterans.