William Francis

1930-2021  

Posted

William “Bill” Tecumseh Francis, 90, Belle, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021, at his residence surrounded by family.
He was born Aug. 31, 1930, in rural Osage County, a son to the late Ira and Alta (Griffith) Francis.
Bill was a lifelong area resident and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
He was married twice and widowed twice. His first wife, Ina (Ridenhour) Francis, passed away Feb. 28, 1964, and his second wife, Augusta (Meyer) Francis, passed away March 21, 2006. Bill was lucky to find companionship once more with Delores Heck who passed away April 9, 2018.
Bill was employed at the Belle Counter Factory for over 30 years and worked at the Missouri State Prison in Jefferson City for eight years. He was a member of the Belle United Methodist Church.
His many hobbies included playing cards, reading, farming, dancing when he was younger and studying his Bible everyday. Bill served as the treasurer for the Osage County Republican Committee as well as for the Francis Cemetery Board. He volunteered at Called Anointed Sent later in life and he loved a good cup of coffee, but family came first with Bill. He loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and his community.
Bill was also preceded in death by stepfather, Arthur Francis; four children, James, Richard, Pamela and Phillip Francis; one grandson, Daniel Helmig; two brothers, Harold and Gary Francis; one sister, Muriel Francis Lansford; and nephew, Christopher Francis.
Bill is survived by four children, Jackie Tyree and husband Elmer of Linn, Vickie Francis of Jefferson City, Angie Nastasi and husband Joe of Kansas City and Jerry Francis and girlfriend Samantha Slinkman of Belle; nine grandchildren, John Helmig and Dorinda Howard of Belle, Matthew Helmig and wife Darlene of Belle, David Helmig and wife Christina of Tibbetts, Brian Francis and wife Amy of Union, Michael Francis and wife Christina of West Palm Beach, Fla., Joshua Nastasi of Olathe, Kan., Jesse Nastasi and Abbie Nastasi, both of Kansas City, and Brittany Francis of Eureka; eight great-grandchildren, Ethan, Erin and Emily Helmig, all of Belle, Ella and Elijah Helmig, both of Tibbetts, Jessica Francis of Union, Tara Sauer of Colorado and Trey Sauer of St. Louis; two brothers, Gentry Francis and wife Carol of Titusville, Pa., and Donald Francis of Liberal, Kan.; one daughter-in-law, Margaret Francis of Eureka; one sister-in-law, Shirley Francis of St. Louis; one brother-in-law, Mickey Meyer of Chamois; as well as many extended family members and friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 15, at Belle United Methodist Church in Belle with Kevin Runge officiating. Interment with full military honors was in the Francis Cemetery near Belle. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Francis Cemetery, 277 County Road 721, Belle, MO 65013.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel of Belle.