William C. Francis

William C. Francis, 86, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away at 12:50 AM Sunday Aug. 11, 2024 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.
He was born November 25, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Katherine (Crnich) Francis; he married Nancy Lee Snakenberg on July 1, 1967. She preceded him in death on Nov. 27, 2008.
He was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joseph Francis, Jr.
He is survived by his children, Michael J. (Pam) Francis of Springfield, Illinois and Andrea Francis of Bushnell, Illinois; two grandchildren, Brody and Maille Francis; sister Kathleen DeBoer and many nephews and nieces.
Bill found meaning in a life of service. He joined the United States Marine Corps soon after graduating from high school. After college, he became a speech pathologist and helped children and others with speech impediments. After completing his PhD at Ohio University, he taught others to do the same as a professor of speech pathology at Western Illinois University for 27 years, retiring in 2000. Along the way, he served on the Macomb Park Board, joined the local Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1009, and the American Legion. He enjoyed working with veterans causes, scholarships, and other charitable works. Bill was particularly involved with the Veterans Home in Quincy, IL for many years, which is, coincidentally, where he spent the last couple months of his life. After retirement, he taught firearm safety classes, became a member of a local Color Guard, performing ceremonies at veterans funerals in the area until his knees gave out.
For recreation, he loved to bowl, play golf, and root for the Chicago Cubs. He was a driving fool who liked traveling with his wife, Nancy, and his son and daughter to visit family spread out across the United States. He loved his family, spending time with his grandchildren, and especially attending all of his grandchildrens sporting events as they grew up.
An athlete in his own right, Bill excelled at all sports through high school, and we have a pile of letters to prove it. He even played a little football in college. A man of many talents, he could milk a cow, build a fence, tie grapes, build a deck, fix a car, ride a horse, and cook up a delicious pot of spaghetti sauce - which he did often, to share with family and friends.
He lived a good and generous life, and he will be missed.
A visitation will be held Tuesday Aug. 20, 2024 from 4-6 PM at the Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home; followed by a Celebration of Life at the Macomb Elks Lodge from 6:30- 8:30 PM. Cremation has been accorded. Memorial Contributions may be made to Smile Train Organization for Cleft lips and palate corrective surgery or 40-et-8 Voiture 913 Nurses Scholarship Fund. Please sign guestbook or leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com
Visitation
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home
201 West Carroll St
Macomb,IL
61455
Celebration of Life
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Macomb Elks Club
401 Deer Rd
Macomb,IL
61455 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William, please visit our Tree Store.