Paul Francis Franco died Sunday, March 15, 2009, at Heritage House in Vicksburg. He was 86.

Mr. Franco was born in Vicksburg on March 24, 1922. He was the son of the late Michele “Mike” Franco Sr. and Annie Miele Franco. He was a 1941 graduate of St. Aloysius College.

Mr. Franco was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Central Africa. He retired in 1982 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with 40 years of service.

Mr. Franco was a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church, the American Legion, the VFW and the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by four older brothers, Peter “Pete” Franco, John Franco Sr., Michael “Mike” Franco Jr. and Raphael Franco Sr.

He is survived by four children, Mary F. Bussio, Pat F. Beaver, David L. Franco and Paul Michael Franco; and four grandchildren, Jennifer and Thomas Helak and Stacey and Ariana Bussio, all of California. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Franco; his sister-in-law, Violet “Pug” Franco; nieces and nephews; and his longtime friend and caregiver, Jon Pennebaker.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2009, at St. Paul Catholic Church with Monsignor Patrick Farrell officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be at Fisher Funeral Home tonight, March 19, 2009, from 5 until 7.

Pallbearers will be John Franco Jr., Mike Franco, Ray Franco, Sammy Franco, Carl Franco, Gary Franco and Jerry Boland. Honorary pallbearers will be Marion Cupp, John Cesare, Dr. George Abraham II and Dr. Martin Newcomb.

Memorials may be made to Vicksburg Catholic School, 1900 Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39183 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.