J. Leclair

Moline, Illinois, formerly of St. Louis, Missouri
Frances LeClair, 92, of Moline, Illinois, formerly of St. Louis, Missouri, died Thursday, August 13, 2009, at home.
Per his wishes, Frances? body has been donated to the University of Saint Louis Medical School. Memorial services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2009, at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Webster Grove, Missouri. Memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America. Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Moline, is assisting the family.
Frances Joseph LeClair was born September 23, 1916, in Berri, Vermont, the son of Albert and Maude (Laughton) LeClair. He attended St. Michael?s College in Vermont before moving to Omaha, Nebraska, and earning his bachelor?s degree in Chemistry from Creighton University. He married Jean Roach on May 17, 1943, in Omaha. She died November 14, 2004.
Frances served in the United States Army before receiving his Master?s Degree from St. Louis University. While attending the University, he helped to develop one of the first defibrillators and was made an honorary Colonel in the Air Force. He worked for Monsanto in St. Louis for 25 years. He helped obtain several patents during his time at Monsanto, most notably helping to develop Round-Up. After retiring, Frances headed the Science department and taught Chemistry at North Prep High School in St. Louis.
Frances was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Moline, the Sierra Club, was a 4th degree in Knights of Columbus, and was a scout master for the Boy Scouts of America for 20 years. He enjoyed reading, fishing, camping, and traveling with his family.
He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Catherine and Ralph Devolder of Moline, Peg and Dennis Cavanagh of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Jane Frances LeClair and Mark Craner of Baton Rouge, Lousianna, 14 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sons, James Frances LeClair, Jon Patrick LeClair, and Timothy Kim LeClair, and a sister, Rose Mary Roach.
The family invites you to share stories and condolences and light a candle in Frances? memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.