Village of Russia Légion d'Honneur
The Village of Russia Légion d'Honneur program is to recognize and honor those persons, living or deceased, who through their character, contributions, and achievements, bestow upon the Russia community and Russia Local School a positive image, so that present-day students and community members can connect with the past and emulate these hallowed and virtuous persons in the future. The Légion d'honneur program will reinforce merit-based distinction and strive to foster an increased sense of pride among students, faculty, administration, alumni and community members.
Nominations are accepted beginning in May of each year. Completed nominations must be postmarked or dropped off at the school office by August 15th for consideration for the following year. Committee review and selection begins in the fall with the induction ceremony to be held in early spring.
This civic merit program is being funded by the Russia Wellness Foundation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any Légion d'Honneur committee member or Levi Francis at lfrancis@francismfg.com.
2024 Village of Russia Légion d'Honneur Honorees
Leo Francis
Clair C Naveau
Delbert "Doc" Francis, Jr.
Francis Manufacturing Company, Co-Founder
Francis Products, Founder
(sold to Clopay Corporation)
WWII Veteran
United States Marine Corps – 1941-1945
Battle of Guam – Purple Heart
Catholic War Veterans Post 661, Charter Member
Knights of Columbus, 1954 Charter Member
First Mayor of Russia, 1969-1994
Russia Fire Department Volunteer, Charter Member
Provided first contribution to establish Russia Park
Leader in incorporating Russia with
the State of Ohio in 1967
Instrumental in paving Borchers St. & Voisard St.
Superintendent, Russia Local School 1950-1984
Principal, Athletic Director 1950-1977
Led three school building projects
Led effort to save school from consolidation
Established Russia Local School Band
Encouraged students to pursue higher education
Philanthropic Contributions
Clair and Jeanne Naveau Family Scholarship
Francis Schulze Company, Co-owner & President
United States Army 1951 – 1954
St. Remy Parish Council & Russia Civic Assoc.
Catholic War Veterans & American Legion
Knights of Columbus
Shelby County AAA Motor Club Board Member
USPS Rural Mail Carrier (1953-1979)
Philanthropic Contributions:
Doc & Hilda Francis Family Fndn. & Scholarship Fund
Russia Activity Center – Diamond Sponsor
Russia Village Park, Pavilion & Splash Pad
Wilson Memorial Hospital Fndn. & Hospice Care
Spiritual Center of Maria Stein Retreat House
Russia Wellness Foundation
St. Remy Parish and Community Center
Russia Local School
Softball, Baseball & Running Track Facilities
To view past Légion d’Honneur Inductees, please click here
Village of Russia Légion d'Honneur Committee Members
Name | Designation | |
Steve Rose | Russia Local School Superintendent | srose@russiaschool.org |
Mary Jo High | Russia Village Council President | mhigh@francismfg.com |
Chelsea Hoying | Russia Board of Education President | choying@russiaschool.org |
Andrea Borchers | Russia Wellness Foundation President | anborchers@gmail.com |
Aaron Schmitmeyer | St. Remy Pastoral Council President | schmitmeyera@gmail.com |
Marilyn Sherman | Russia Community Member | mertrich3@gmail.com |
Barb Cordonnier | Russia Community Member | dbcordney@gmail.com |