Dr. Richard L. Francis, Sr.

Dr. Richard L. Francis, Sr., 82, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, February 22, 2015, peacefully at his home surrounded by family. He was born February 5, 1933, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Ira Ellsworth and Hazel Marie (Colcher) Francis. He and Joyce Merritt were married August 22, 1965, in Kennett, Missouri. Richard had a lifelong passion for learning. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University and went on to earn a master�s degree and doctorate degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He taught mathematics and science at Kemper Military School and the University of Missouri, before returning to Southeast Missouri State University in 1965. He retired from the Mathematics Department at Southeast Missouri State University in 2010 after 45 years of dedicated service. During his 55 years of teaching, he had many professional articles and math games published. Richard was very devout in his faith, teaching Sunday School classes from early adulthood until last year. He was a member of the Church of God (headquartered in Anderson, Indiana) and later First Baptist Church. Over the years, he served and chaired many church committees. His faith and church were very important in his life, far more than his professional accomplishments. Richard�s family was very important to him. He enjoyed the simple things in life, such as gardening, sitting in his porch swing, and playing with his dog Penny. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Francis of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Richard Lee Francis, Jr. (Christa) and Michael Francis (Joy) both of Cape Girardeau; one daughter, Marie Kluesner of Cape Girardeau; four grandsons, Mason Seesing, Blake Seesing, Philip Francis, and Jonathan Francis; two granddaughters Anna Francis and Cameron Sullivan; three sisters, Jane Thorne of Dupo, Illinois, Sue Worley of Edgarville, Illinois, and Dorothy Campbell of Poplar Bluff; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Donald Ray Francis. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at First Baptist Church, 1289 Lexington Avenue, Cape Girardeau. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Mike Shupert officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church, Cape Girardeau,1289 Lexington Avenue, Cape Girardeau.

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Dr. Richard L. Francis, Sr.

February 22, 2015