John T. Francis age 81, of Greenville passed away at 5:22 PM on Sunday, July 18, 2021, at his residence.
John was born September 21, 1939, in Shelby County to the late Henry A. & Irene M. (Barge) Francis. In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by his son, Denver Ernst; brothers, Ralph E., Henry A. Jr., August, Charles L. and Raymond Francis; sisters, Monica Stephan, Clara Bender, Martha Plas, Leona Zircher, Lovena Grillot, Mary Francis and one sister in infancy.
John is survived by his wife, Martha “Marti” (Graybill) Francis whom he married June 7, 1986; children, Tammy & David Turner of Iowa, Terri & Matt McConnell of Hamler, Tina Carroll of Hamler, Trenda & Gene Campbell of Greenville, Tonya & Jeff Schlecty of New Weston, Dwaine Ernst of Greenville, Diane Phillips of North Carolina, Daniel Ernst of Gettysburg and Darla May of Nashville, Tennessee; 23 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Rita Goubeaux of Osgood; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John served in the U.S. Army. He farmed and managed an apartment complex. John was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Dayton. He was a former member of the Greenville Eagles and Knights of Columbus in Greenville. A Latin Requiem Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at St. Remy Catholic Church in Russia with Rev. Fr. George Gabet celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Remy Cemetery in Russia. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church in Dayton.
Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com