EAST HERKIMER - Francis T. DeGouff, 71, of Shells Bush Road, entered into eternal rest Tuesday morning, July 8, 2003, in Faxton Hospital, Utica. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born July 30, 1931, in Canton, son of the late Philip and Marguerite LeCouffe DeGouff. Francis was raised in Herkimer, where he was a graduate of Herkimer High School. He was an honorably discharged veteran. During the Korean War, he was proud to be a member of the United States Navy and had served aboard an air craft carrier in the Mediterranean sea. On March 28, 1953, he married Mary Finkst in St. Mary's Church, Little Falls, and for the past 48 years they have made their home on Shells Bush Road. Mr. DeGouff at one time worked as a machinist for the Kelsey Hayes Co. He then became a meat cutter for various grocery stores, including the Victory chain, Aiello's Market, Herkimer, and Zito's Market in Mohawk. He retired in 1982. Francis had a strong belief in God and was of the Catholic faith. He was a life member of Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post 1459, Herkimer. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family, especially his four grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by many. Surviving are his devoted wife of 50 years, Mary; two sons, Daniel DeGouff of Ilion and Philip DeGouff of Herkimer; one brother, Philip and his wife Diane DeGouff of Troutman, N.C.; three sisters, Isabele DeGouff of Mohawk, Yvonne and her husband, George Calicchia, Marguerite and her husband, Charles Simmons, all of Ilion; four grandchildren, Steven DeGouff of Frankfort, Michael DeGouff, Jason DeGouff and Colleen DeGouff, all of Cortland; a brother-in-law, Joseph Finkst of Little Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, one son, Donald DeGouff, in 1978, and a sister, Helena Francis in 1999, preceded him in death. Funeral service will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court St., Herkimer. The Rev. Alfred Lamanna will officiate. Following the service, Mr. DeGouff will be laid to rest in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, town of Little Falls. There are no calling hours. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the charity of one's choice.