David L. Francis (78) Fremont, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 of pancreatic cancer. He was born in Fremont on June 21, 1942 to Laurel and Marian (Stadler) Francis. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1960 and from Tiffin University in 1964.
David and his wife, Nancy (Flahiff) Francis, celebrated 54 years of marriage on January 8th. He retired from the Fremont Water Treatment Plant in 2007. He served 20 years in the Ohio National Guard.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #591 both 3rd and 4th Degree, where he served twice as Grand Knight; the VFW, and the St. Joe Booster Club. He enjoyed golf, travel, reading, camping, and time spent with his family. He was an avid history buff and had a great mind for trivia. He will be remembered for his big smile and quick wit and as a fun loving, mischievous youngster. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions, and the Michigan Wolverines “GO BLUE”!
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Nancy; daughters Shelli (Chris) Beck of Fremont, Melissa (Jeff) Albright of Lindsey, and Heather (Dennis) Fabian of Lorain; grandchildren, Jordan Beck of Put In Bay, Brad (Lindsey) Beck of Grove City, Ohio, Makenzie Beck of Kent, Ohio, Logan Albright of Fremont, Riley Albright of Lindsey, and Nathan Fabian of Lorain; sister Donna Safranek of Waterford, MI, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Arthur Francis, and sister Marcia Darmstadt.
Visitation: Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH 43420. Social distancing will be observed with wait times taking place outdoors. If you are unable to attend and would like to have your name signed in the register book, please call the funeral home at 419-332-6409.
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, July 11, 2020; 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 550 Smith Rd., Fremont, OH. Mass will be live streamed at https://www.sacredheart-fremont.org/.
A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests ProMedica Hospice, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or the Bishop Hoffman SJCC Campus.
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Bev and Roger Hart
Dear Shelli, I am so sorry for this loss…..please extend our sympathies to your entire family; you are in my prayers.
Bill & Patti Murray
Nancy… Bill and I extend our sincere condolences to you and your family. Didn’t know Dave well, but had fun playing Wii bowling with you last year!! He was a good sport! May your many happy memories carry you through the days to come.
Scott and Martha Mead
Our condolences to Nancy and the family. We’ve had good times with you and David through camping, going on cruises, and Knights of Columbus functions and other get-togethers. We will miss his gentle laughter and jokes that he would tell. Scott will miss one of his best friends.
Our prayers are with you.
Corky Logsdon
Dave’s warm, heartfelt, and high energy smile always brought comfort.
Robert Hufford
Called Dave and spoke with him just after the announcement of illness last month. He was in good spirits, and we talked about numerous fun events during and after our high school days. He was the ultimate emcee for any and all events. Funny, happy, and witty, all the time. My sincere condolences to all.
Arlene Lenhart
Nancy and girls, my sympathy to you all in the passing of Dave..he had such a great sense of humor and that smile…pure Dave! Will never forget the infamous Dolly & Joe trip many years ago…i always get a laugh from that. God Bless Dave and may Our Lord bring you all peace.
Jeanette Gleba
Dear Nancy, you and your family have my deepest sympathy! I am so glad I got to know Dave and enjoyed his sense of humor! He will be greatly missed! God bless!
Monte Huss and Karla Huss
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Our prayers are with all of you.
Barbara and Joe Fisher
Nancy, You do have our condolences over Dave’s passing. I have been praying for him every day. I love you and your family and if you need anything just ask us. God bless you and take care of you and all your family. They are all so special too. Our prayers are with you as you go through this part of life. . . “Lovers die but the love lives on!” Dave is still with you and loving you more than ever.
Brenda Havens
Shelli and Family – you are in our prayers at this special time. Your father raised a wonderful daughter in you. Much love,
joanne Busdeker
Nancy and family,
My Sympathy to you and family, David will always be remembered as you share your stories and memories of how he lived his life and how very much he meant, may you all find comfort
Margaret Ward
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing…truly one of the nicest and friendliest guy….condolences to Nancy and all of his family.
Roy Wilhelm
Nancy and family: Our sympathy on the passing of Dave. He was a man with a ready smile and laugh and will surely be missed by family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marty and Roy Wilhelm
Dolores Reardon
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. A good guy.
Melissa Spriggs
Nancy and family my heartfelt condolences go out to you all. May the Lord bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Karen Botzko
Nancy and Family, Sorry to hear the news about Dave’s passing. You have many neat memories in your video. Thanks for sharing. Nancy, I was glad to see you and Dave in Fremont several years ago and we had chance to talk and share old times. Dave was always a fun person to talk with. My thoughts are with you all. Hugs- Karen Botzko
Denice and Doug Klask
Nancy and family,
You have our deepest condolences on the passing of Dave. I have many fond memories of Dave including my family visiting you and Dave camping, at your home and at my parent’s home. Dave loved to joke around with all of us kids and had a wonderful sunny personality. Our love and prayers are with you.
Dee Dee and Mike Naufel
Nancy, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Dave was a jokester and always made us laugh, he will be missed by many. God bless you and your family.
Gary J Gonya
Dear Nancy and family of Dave Francis
I tried to contact Dave when I first heard of his bout with terminal cancer; I left a detailed message on Nancy’s phone hoping to some day later to catch Dave and chat.
I had kept him in my prayers and now will still do so.
Peace to all former classmates until we meet again !
Gary J Gonya