Dr. Francis W. Nossaman

Dr. Francis W. Nossaman
Dr. Francis W. Nossaman

Dr. Francis W. Nossaman (94), beloved husband, father and long-time Amarillo optometrist died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, November 13, 2020.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2020, in the sanctuary of First Christian Church, Amarillo, TX with the Rev. Brett Coe officiating.  Burial is private.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Francis Wilbur Nossaman was born in Blackwell, OK on April 4, 1926 to Flauren D. Nossaman and Gertrude Fuls.  He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Betty Hall Nossaman, son Dr. Neal Nossaman and husband Gregory Welch, and daughter Lisa Blankenship and husband Rick.  He is also survived by one grandson, Collin Blankenship of Lubbock, TX, and two granddaughters, Maggie Blankenship Schade and husband Isaac of Webb City, MO and Lillie Blankenship of Amarillo, TX, and two great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donald Ray Vance.

Dr. Nossaman’s optometry career spanned over 50 years.  He was a former Chairman of the Board & Congregation and Elder Emeritus of First Christian Church, Amarillo, TX. He also served on the boards of the Amarillo Bible Chair, Opportunity School, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and worked with the local Scouts programs.  He served in the US Army during the WWII occupation of Japan.  He was affiliated with the Waurika Lodge AF & AM No. 531, Waurika, OK.  More than anything, people will remember Francis Nossaman as a kind, caring and generous person.  His day-to-day life represented his Christian faith.

The family is grateful to Dr. Alan Keister and his staff for the wonderful care that has been given to Francis over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 3001 Wolflin, Amarillo, TX 79109.

The Francis Nossaman service will be livestreamed on the First Christian Church Facebook and YouTube channels. The links are below.

Facebook.com/FirstChristianAmarillo

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkyDAlGKrx82S5qCbiBlS_g

24 Replies to “Dr. Francis W. Nossaman”

  1. Vick, thank you for such kind words about my father. I do remember your great aunt, Mrs. Baird. I’m sad to hear she has also passed. My best to you and yours.

  2. My deepest sympathy for the loss of this kindhearted, lovely man.
    He was my great aunt’s optometrist & she adored him, as well as his son, Dr. Neal Nossaman, who was also her optometrist.
    Dear Neal, you may remember Maxine Baird, she always brought homemade cookies to her appointments. She always spoke so highly of both of you. She passed at age 99.
    My love & prayers during this difficult time to Mrs. Nossaman, Dr. Neal Nossaman and husband Gregory Welch; daughter Lisa Blankenship and husband Rick & to all surviving family members & close friends.
    I had the pleasure of waiting on him years ago at Kem’s Bed & Bath and always wished there were more truly kind & gentle people such as he in this world. He was a living example of how we should treat others, always with respect & kindness.
    I am so grateful to have known this gracious soul.

  3. Dear Nossaman Family
    We are so thankful for the privilege of knowing and loving Francis. He touched many lives with his kind and patient spirit. He had a way of making you feel loved and valued. His legacy will continue to live on through his beautiful children , Neal and Lisa , and the others in his family. God’s blessings and grace be with all 🙏

  4. We are so sorry to hear that Francis has passed. He was so very kind-hearted and one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. I know that I’m a better man for having known him. I know that he will be missed greatly. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Betty, Neal & Greg, Lisa, Rick and Lillie, and the rest of the family. Hugs to all!

  5. It was a privilege and honor to know Dr. Francis. He was a caring optometrist and a good friend. He was kind to all he met, and he will be missed. Best wishes to Betty and the family.

  6. So sorry for your loss. Francis was a very kind and friendly person. I remember when he opened the optical business on Martin Road back in the l980’s.

  7. Betty, Neal, Greg, Lisa and Rick,
    My heart is grieved with yours at the passing of Francis. The missing is great, but the reunion promises to be glorious! You are in my prayers.

  8. My sympathies to all. Dr. Nossaman was a kind, gentle and sweet person. I always enjoyed having him do my eye exams. He will be missed.

  9. A beautiful remembrance of a life well lived. Dr. Francis Nossaman had a beautiful and welcoming smile. His gentleness and kindness were so evident every time we spoke with his lovely wife next to him. What a stunning couple he and his wife were!

    At this time of sorrow, please know that you are surrounded with so much love and care from all who hold you dear. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
    Love,
    Jenny and Masoud AlZeerah

  10. Bill and I enjoyed knowing Francis and Betty and their family at First Christian Church. Frances was a kind and caring man. My prayers and sincere condolences are with the family.

  11. It’s a blessed honor to have known Dr Nossaman and family. He was great in taking care of myself and family for many years. My prayers for each of you during this time.

  12. I feel lucky to have gotten to know Dr. Nossaman and your family at First Christian over the years staying with my grandparents, the Bridwell’s. He was such a kind and gracious man. Thinking of your family during this time of tremendous loss.

  13. Francis remains in our hearts as beloved friend, man of great faith and kindness, and stellar example of how we should treat each other. We will miss him greatly.

  14. Oh my God. Love this man and his family. My heartfelt ♥ condolences to the family. God give you comfort, love, peace and understanding is my prayer.
    Alma Swain

  15. I am so sorry to hear about Francis. I am so blessed to have grown up knowing this sweet man as my friend’s loving father and my wonderful eye doctor. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️

  16. Francis was one of the kindest and most decent men I have ever known. Wise and faithful, I was fortunate to have known and been known by him. He blessed me deeply.

  17. I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Nossaman. He was a kind and gracious man, a true gentleman. My prayers are with Betty and the family.
    Dr. Jeanne Cobb

  18. My thoughts and prayers for remembering the lifetime of memories with your family. Healing takes time. Take care of yourself over the next chapter of your life with an unavoidable void. I just know you have that same, gentle healing spirit as your dad. Peace be with you, my friend.

  19. Neil our prayers are with you and all the family. God’s blessings and grace to be with you all. Dave and Bruce

  20. Some of my best memories from childhood and beyond include Francis and Betsy Nossaman. I will forever remember Francis’ kindness. His warm, sparkling blue eyes. The soft-spoken and loving way in which he greeted me each time I saw him. It’s difficult for me to imagine a Sunday at FCC without Francis but I feel certain, he has joined a great cloud of witnesses that includes my parents — Pauline and RL Robertson — Breezy and Bernice Williams, and John Bridwell. My love to Betty, Neal, Greg, Lisa, Rick, Lillie and the rest of the family ❤️

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