Richard L. Francis

Richard Lee Francis was born July 7, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Lee Joseph Francis and Angelene (Bottle) Francis. Richard graduated from Shaw High School in East Cleveland, served in the Ohio State Guard during World War II, and sailed on iron ore ships on the Great Lakes as a teenager. Richard was proud to serve in the United States Air Force during Korea, obtained the rank of Tech Sergeant and served in Japan. A proud veteran and patriot, he often teared up upon hearing the National Anthem. Richard was a born salesman spending most of his career selling advertising for Southwestern Bell Telephone. He lived his adult life in Texas and California. Richard was a Mason and in the Lions Club. He was deeply religious having made Jesus his Lord and Savior in 1992. He was quick with a joke and loved a good story. Richard loved to entertain, travel, and spend time with family. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, but he never gave up on the idea that the Cleveland Browns or the Cleveland Indians might win a championship again. Richard is survived by his wife, Betty, as well as his first wife and the mother of his children, Ruth and preceded in death by his wife Phyllis. He is survived by son, Lee Francis and spouse Cassie, daughter, Becky Niendorff and spouse Paul, and daughter, Nancy Hannon and spouse, Andrew, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and adoring nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to count. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings, Virginia, Maralyn, and Robert.