Francis W. LaMunion

Francis LaMunionSt. Joseph City Police Department

  • End of Watch: June 23, 1927

Patrolman Francis LaMunion, a 23-year old motorcycle officer was on routine patrol the morning of June 22, 1927. While trying to stop a speeding motorist shortly before noon, LaMunion collided with a delivery truck at the corner of Ship and Court Streets. Although the speeder escaped apprehension, the officer and delivery truck driver, R. J. Lavanway, appeared to not have any serious injuries and both were sent home. The next day, however, LaMunion was rushed to the St. Joseph Sanitarium where surgeons performed an emergency operation and found that every organ in his body was torn out of place. He passed away shortly after 1:30 p.m. on June 23, 1927. His death certificate lists cause of death as "shock from motorcycle accident."

Francis LaMunion was born September 23, 1903 in Royalton Township, and lived for a time in Covert and Watervliet, Michigan. His body was laid to rest at Watervliet Cemetery, Watervliet, Michigan.

- Chriss Lyon