OXFORD – Francis J. Loughren, 86, of Oxford passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2007 at his home. 
He was born on Feb. 14, 1921 in Chenango Forks the son of the late Frank and Grace “Thankful” (Copeland) Loughren. He graduated from Oxford Academy, class of 1940 where he excelled in sports. On Sept. 4, 1947 he married Margaret Wright, who passed away on July 20, 2002.
He is survived by his children, Jerry and Ellen Loughren of Oxford, Thomas and Donna Davison Loughren of Oxford, Ray T. and Elizabeth Loughren of Oxford, Linda Loughren of Oxford, Susan Loughren of Sarasota, Fla., and Richard Loughren of Guilderland; his sister, Margaret Cook of Oxford and his grandchildren, Michael and Terri Waters, Andrew Waters, Jerry J. Loughren, James Loughren, Ryan Garvey, Melany Garvey, Jacob Loughren, Jonah Loughren, Alexandria Loughren, Denise and Jim Hunt, Stephanie and Don Chapman and Darlene Griffis Colaso; his great grandchildren, Mya Loughren and Logan Waters. His brother Douglas Loughren and sister Elizabeth (Betty) Loughren predeceased him. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Fran was a U.S. Army Air Corp veteran of World War II, serving as a gunner on bombers. He received five battle stars of the European campaign. He received the Croix de Guerre with Palm bestowed by the President of France. He also was awarded the Belgian Fourragere citation, from the air offensive over Belgium.  He was a member of Fort Hill Post #376, American Legion. He and his brother operated Loughren Brothers Paving for many years. He retired from Jennison Generating Station in Bainbridge as a boiler operator. He was very active in the Oxford Little League and helped build the current field. He was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Oxford Lions Club for his many years of dedicated, unselfish service to the Oxford community.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford with the Rev. Brian Conover, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, Oxford on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Fire Department Emergency Squad.