Francis Courtland "Peaches" Gashwiler, 94, of Novinger, Missouri. passed away Saturday (September 19, 2015) at his home.

The son of Dr. J.S. and Maude Ellen (Novinger) Gashwiler, he was born February 14, 1921 in Novinger, Missouri. On February 3, 1952 in Kirksville, Missouri, Francis was united in marriage to Anna Mae Barnes who preceded him in death on October 31, 2013.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Beth Nichols; four brothers, Howard, J. Schooling, John and Robert Gashwiler; and two sisters, Louise Schille and Keturah Gashwiler.

Francis is survived by two sons, Bill Gashwiler of Green City, MO and Jay Gashwiler of Kirksville, MO; seven grandchildren, Adam (Gwen) Gashwiler, Shawn (John) Powell, Jason (Tabitha) Humphrey, Angie Gashwiler, Jerad (Christy) Humphrey, Alan (Darcy) Gashwiler, and Cody (Denita) Gashwiler; twenty-two great-grandchildren; two great great-granddaughters; one sister, Elizabeth "Libby" Green of Artesia, New Mexico, who is 109 years old; four sisters-in-law, Bonnie Partin, Patty Barnes, Pat Barnes and Harriet Barnes, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Francis was a graduate from Novinger High School with the Class of 1939 and attended Kirksville State Teachers College (Truman State University) until he was asked to serve his country in WWII in 1942. After returning from WWII, Francis spent his life in rural Novinger working the ground he loved so much on his family's farm.

Francis was known to many as Peaches, a nickname given to him by his sister Libby. Francis loved to spend time in the great outdoors, collecting Indian Artifacts, hunting, reading, listening and watching Mizzou ballgames, Cardinal baseball, and spending time with his family. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed teasing most who came into his life. Francis was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

Public visitation will be held Monday (September 21, 2015) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday (September 22, 2015) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Alan Coonfield and Pastor John Howell officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow the service at Novinger Cemetery in Novinger.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Adam Gashwiler, Shawn Powell, Jason Humphrey, Angie Gashwiler, Jerad Humphrey, Alan Gashwiler and Cody Gashwiler. Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren, and also Scott Partin, Dennis Wilson, and Robert Gashwiler.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Francis Gashwiler may be made to Novinger Renewal or to Novinger Planned Progress. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.