Martin Francis Jr.

Martin Francis Jr., a resident of Troy, passed away on May 27, 2022 at the age of 88. A son of Martin and Clara Belle, he was born on August 4, 1933 in Highland Park, Michigan. Martin proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in France from 1954 to 1956, before joining the reserves for six more years. Martin received an honorable discharge in 1962. Martin had a longtime career at Consumers Power, where he retired at the age of 56.
Martin believed that there was no problem too big to be solved. Service-oriented and humble, Martin gave back to his community for years as a board member for the Royal Oak Kiwanis Club. He served on both the planning and zoning commissions for Clawson, was a member of the Clawson Chamber of Commerce, and was a supporter of his local school systems. Strong in his faith, Martin was a head usher, trustee, and youth group sponsor for Faith Baptist Church. Martin was an accomplished cook- preparing meals for church banquets and Sunday barbeques. Family was everything to Martin. He never missed a graduation or sporting event. Christmases were anything but "humbug" in the Francis home. Martin loved to host Christmas dinners and Memorial Day breakfasts in the park (his mother's tradition). The day after Thanksgiving, Martin would wake up early with his daughters and shop for the best deals while Erna slept in. He was a patient man whose cruise control never went above the speed limit, except for the one speeding ticket he received (ironically in Cheryl's neighborhood). Martin enjoyed the company of others, especially on hot summer days in the backyard pool. Upon retirement, Erna and Martin soaked up the sun as Florida snowbirds. Martin was an empathic father who valued his family's happiness above all else. He will be dearly missed.
Beloved husband of the late Erna, joined in love for 64 years. Loving father of Mike (Cindy), Cheryl (Steve) Woroniec, Janice (Tim) Taylor. Cherished grandfather of John (Molly Pim) Francis, Diana (Tony) Regan, Daniel Francis, Joel (Dana) Francis, Kristin (Neil) Myers, and Scott (Dalia) Woroniec. Treasured great-grandfather of Nolan, Liam, and Ava Myers; Sia Mitra Woroniec; and Luke Michael Regan. Dear brother of Doug (Judy) and Gene (Lydia), and brother-in-law of Deanna. Martin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Erna; and siblings Robert (Betty), Oneida (Donald) Stevens, Edna (Jim) Bain, Judy (Jack) Ellison, Joe (Ruth), Charles, and Donald.
Friends and family will gather on Monday, June 6, from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 12:00 pm at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (4 blks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, 48067. Martin will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
Donations in Martin's memory may be made to Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI 48154.