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Thomas Francis Obituary
He was born Aug. 29, 1922, Russia, to Felix and Anna (Voisard) Francis. He was a lifelong resident of Russia and a 1940 graduate of Russia High School. On Feb. 28, 1946, he married Corrine R. Puthoff in St. Patrick. She died May 11, 1995.
Surviving are four sons and three daughters and their spouses, William and Mary Louise (Sherman) Francis, of Russia, Kathy and Dale Nichols, of Russia, Shirley and James Shenk, of Minster, David and Clarice (Novicki) Francis, of Troy, Patrick and Susan (Diller) Francis, of Troy, and Renee and Jay Purpus, of Minster, and Bradley and Melissa (Raterman) Francis of Russia. He is also survived by 29 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Mrs. Robert (Jeanette) Scofield, of Van Wert, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Leo (Mary) Francis, of Russia.
He was preceded in death by five brothers, Wilmer (Cora), Delbert (Ruth), Glenn (Melva), Earl (Marie) and Leo; and two sisters, Mrs. Ora (Gertrude) Armstrong and Mrs. James (Freda) Daugherty.
Tom was a member of St. Remy Catholic Church in Russia. He was also a United States Navy veteran of World War II serving from 1942-46 with two years in the Southwest Pacific Islands. He was a lifetime charter member of the World War II Memorial - Washington D.C., charter member National World War II Museum - New Orleans, and a member of the United States Navy Memorial Foundation - Washington D.C. He was co-founder of Francis Manufacturing Co. in Russia, established 1946 and served as president of the company until his retirement in 1991. He was co-owner of Superior Aluminum Products in Russia and served as president from 1966-93. He was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 661, Life Member of Sidney American Legion Post 217, Life Member and past Grand Knight of St. Remy Council of the Knights of Columbus, Past President of the Russia Civic Association, member of Russia Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, served on board of directors of Bank One, Sidney for 21 years, served on board of directors of Community Lanes in Minster, served on board of trustees Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney, served on board of trustees Wilson Hospital Foundation and established the Thomas V. and Corrine R. Francis Family Foundation in 1995. Mr. Francis was selected as the 2003 recipient of the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce "Zenith Award" for his accomplishments and contributions to the community.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Remy Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Frank Amberger as Presider. Burial will follow at St. Remy Cemetery with full military rites.
Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, and 9:00-9:45 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Russia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wilson Memorial Hospice Care or to the charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Francis
March 7, 2013
Our condolences to your family. Hal and Fran Armstrong (Neenah, WI) Please contact us at [email protected] as it would be nice to connect with relatives of Mrs. Ora (Gertrude) Armstrong.
Mellissa Box
March 1, 2013
I will always remember Mr. Francis with such fondness.
Christine Heiden
March 1, 2013
My Condolences are with you and your family.
Christine
The Wagner Companies
Mike Becker
March 1, 2013
My condolences to all the Francis family and to all those whose lives he has touched. I will remember the talks we had and the advise he gave me. He will be remembered as one of Shelby County's greatest. My prayers are with you all during this time.
Mike Becker
Albert Sonderman
February 28, 2013
Tom has always been a friend and a real pleasure to spend some time with. Truly a great and and genuine person. It's been a privilege to have known him for years. I'll miss him on my visits back to Russia and my sympathy goes to his family.
Bob & Evie Heckman
February 28, 2013
We would like to extend our sincerest sympathy to the entire Tom Francis family. Tom was a great person who will be greatly missed.
George & Pat Howie
February 28, 2013
We are very sad that Uncle Tom has passed. He was the last of our very special Uncles. Will always remember the good times & conversations we had over the years. Our sympathy to his children & grand-children.
Dr. Ken & Kathy Schmiesing
February 28, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Francis family. He was a wonderful man. We were lucky to know him.
Tom and Diane Meyer
February 28, 2013
We are saddened to hear of the death of our friend Tommie! He was a very special man who gave of his time and talents as well as assets to help others. His kindness and smile will be greatly missed by all of us. Christmas will never be the same without his calls to say "Merry Christmas my friend ". We just loved Tommie and want to extend our sincere sympathy to all his wonderful family at this time of great loss. We are presently in Florida and unable to speak with you in person but our thoughts and prayers are with each of you in this time of great loss! Rest in peace our dear friend!
Mike & Rita(Pleiman) Utz
February 27, 2013
To all family members:
As we are in Florida, we would like to extend our sympathies to the Family. Your dad was a favorite cousin of Tuts Pleiman and ours and a super human being.
Rob Howie
February 27, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person
Ruth Barlage
February 27, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Francis Family.
Gertrude Glaser
February 27, 2013
My sympathy to family and friends. My prayers are with you.
February 26, 2013
Larry & Barb Francis
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