Francis "Bud" J. Picray III

Francis Joseph Picray III, age 77, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Francis was born July 18, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa to Francis Joseph Picray Jr. and Mary (Stephenson) Picray. His family affectionately called him Buddy when he was young, and he occasionally went by Bud in adulthood.

He proudly served in both the United States Army and Navy. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was in the 372nd Engineer Group in the Army, and was most recently an instructor with the Engineer Group. Altogether, Francis served 28 years in the military. He retired from the City of Des Moines in 2008 after 26 years as a Plant Mechanic.

Francis loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and would come home to tell his family a minute by minute account of all that he had seen and experienced while out in nature. Sometimes it was enough just to sit peacefully and watch the world go by. He was content just to experience the tranquility of an undisrupted woods or fishing stream.

Francis was a recreational bowler and participated in many state tournaments. His greatest joy however was his family and he cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Francis is survived by his wife of 55 years and his soulmate, Lois Picray; daughters, Jennifer Murphy and Susan Crimmins (Randy); grandchildren, Tommy, Molly, Ailish and Patrick Murphy, and Piper and Abigail Crimmins; brother, David Picray; sister, Kathy Simpson; sister-in-law, Lucy Howarth; brother-in-law, Dean Howarth (Margy); nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Mary Picray; infant daughter, Laura Ann Picray; brother, Michael Picray; brother-in-law, Gale Howarth; and his father and mother-in-law, Rodrick and Velda Howarth.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2024, also at Hamilton’s, with burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Bud.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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