Herald Mc "Pod" Francis was born on May 9, 1918 at Blanchard, Oklahoma and attended public school there.
He was graduated in 1936 and for all 12 years that he attended school he achieved a perfect attendance. He
never missed a day nor was he ever trady. He was on the honor roll every year of high school.

After graduation Herald attended the University of Oklahoma where he played basketball for the 1937-1938
Sooners. He married Virginia Alice Dillard (1921-1995)() of Lindsay in 1938. In September 1941
he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. He served at Pearl Harbor and Midway Island and
after achieving the rank of Lt. Commander he retired in 1965.

After World War II, Herald along with his brother, Rene G. Francis (1910-1982) (), were partners
with their father, William Charles Francis¹(1880-1963) (), until his death. They owned the W.C.
Francis and Sons Ford dealer franchise in Blanchard.

      ^1. W.C. Francis served on the Blanchard School Board for several years