Francis R. Mayberry 1932-2026

Francis was born Aug. 22, 1932, in Poland, the son of William L. and Edith B. Kale Mayberry.

He proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean War from 1952 to 1955. He was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. During his service, he was wounded in combat on Dec. 26, 1952, and was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice. He was also honored with the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He advanced through the ranks, being promoted to corporal on July 31, 1953, and to sergeant on July 31, 1954.

He worked for Ohio Bell / AT&T until his retirement in 1984. He then went on to start his own handyman business, eventually becoming head of maintenance for the Lowellville school system. He did everything, from rewiring the computer lab and installing the visitor bleachers at the stadium.

He raised five children on his own, a testament to his strength, dedication and love for his family. He enjoyed camping and fishing, spending countless hours on Lake Erie, especially alongside his son Alan.

He was deeply involved in his community and youth athletics. He served as president of the Lowellville Little League Association and coached youth football as well as Pony League baseball, including All-Star teams. He was an assistant and later head coach for the Lowellville High School baseball team and also served as equipment manager for the Lowellville High School football team. In addition to his coaching, he worked alongside his brother John to build a baseball field by hand – an enduring reflection of his dedication to the game and the community he loved. His commitment to others, especially young athletes, reflected the kind of man he was – selfless, hardworking and always willing to give his time to help others succeed.

He is survived by his children, Corky (Kris) Mayberry, Alan (Jenny) Mayberry, Sandy (Steve) Wilson and Robin (Randy) Dever; his grandchildren, Rhonda, William, Joshua, Julie Mayberry, Jennifer Petrie, Andy Burtyk, Bryan, Logan Wilson, Bobbi Boardley and Mark Sutherin, and his youngest grandchild, Faith Borer, with whom he shared his home and daily life. He is further survived by 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews with whom he shared a great bond.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, William, John and Jim Mayberry; Margaret “Sis” Branam and Dorothy Simone; and his youngest child, Lori Mayberry.

In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held, and his body was donated to science.

The family will be planning a memorial dinner in the near future, and all who knew and loved him are welcome to come together to celebrate his life.

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