Carmi Times Mon Sep 21, 2009 Crossville - Francis Vern Gidcumb, 91, Crossville, died Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at his home. He was born July 7, 1918, in Mill Shoals, the son of Vern Francis and Isabell (Wheeler) Gidcumb. He was married to Blanche C. (Cox) Gidcumb, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 11, 2002. In his early years, he worked in the oilfields in the Illinois Basin. Later, he worked and retired from Babcock & Wilcox in the tool and die section. He was a World War II Army veteran and served in the Philippines. Mr. Gidcumb attended Crossville Missionary Baptist Church. Antique cars and antique furniture were two of his favorite activities. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Robert E. and Celia Gidcumb of Jacksonville, Fla.; two daughters, Charlene Knight of Crossville, and Penny Meese and her husband, George, of Robinson; two sisters, Norma Vaughan and her husband Max of Fairfield, and Zella Dozier of Burley, Idaho; ten grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Isabell Gidcumb; wife, Blanche C. Gidcumb; son, Jack Gidcumb; two brothers; and three sisters. Visitation and funeral services will be Tuesday, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Crossville. Visitation is at 11 a.m. and continues until funeral time at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Little Wabash Cemetery near Crossville. Memorials may be made to Hospice and will be accepted at Cook Funeral Chapel.