The second oldest of
eleven children, Francis is the son of Francis R. and Anna May Slay. He and his wife of 16
years, Kim, live with their two children Francis Jr., and Katherine in South St. Louis
City.
A 1973 graduate of St. Mary's High School, Francis attended Quincy College in Quincy,
Illinois on academic and soccer scholarships. At Quincy, Francis was a member of three
national championship soccer teams before graduating with a bachelor's degree in political
science in 1977. Francis went on to St. Louis University School of Law where he received
his law degree in 1980.
After graduating from law school, Francis served as a law clerk for the Honorable Paul J.
Simon, Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals for Eastern District. In 1981, he joined the
law firm, Guilfoil Petzall & Shoemake, where is now a Partner specializing in business
law and commercial litigation.
In 1985 Francis was elected to the Board of Aldermen for the City of St. Louis,
representing the City of St. Louis 23rd Ward until 1995 when he was elected to a four year
term as President of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. Francis has served on numerous
charitable and civic organization boards and commissions. |
