Richard P. “Dick” Francis, age 79, of Marysville, died Sunday, October 4, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. In 1984, he retired as Chief of the Division of Wildlife for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. He was with the Wildlife Division for 33 years where he also served as Union County Game Protector, a law enforcement agent, supervisor for District 5 law enforcement and was a former assistant law supervisor in the Columbus office.
Upon retirement, he was a regional director for Ducks Unlimited in West Virginia and western Virginia and retired from those duties in 1987. He founded the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Marysville. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and training Labrador Retrievers. An avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan, he coached junior high football during the late 90’s. He was a veteran of U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of Palestine Lodge No. 158 F. & A. M. Above all, he was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He was born June 30, 1930 in Kingston, Ohio to the late Clarence and Viola Arledge Francis and was also predeceased by three brothers, Ralph, Raymond and Glenn Francis and two sisters, Edrie Baird and Mildred Richardson.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Evadean “Deanie” Hogue Francis, whom he married July 24, 1954 at United Brethren Church in York Center; a son, Randy (Dee) Francis, of Norfolk, VA; three daughters, Jody Lowry of Raymond, Robin Bryant of Broadway and Michelle (Tom) Jewell of Milford Center; ten grandchildren, Allie Kardian, Shannon (Rob) Cunningham, Brandon (Angie) Lowry, Benjamin Bryant, Richard Bryant, Rory Bryant, Aaron Miller, Ryan Miller, Crystal Jewell and Chris Jewell; many great grandchildren, including Logan, Kirsten, Gary, Auston, Bryan, Lilly, Garrett, Tyler, Kelsey, Kenzie, Derek, Kaitlyn, Mason, Luke, Dylan and Taydin; two sisters, Marjorie (Fred) Ketner of Dublin and Marilyn (Don) Meenach of Circleville; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Russell of Raymond; many nieces and nephews and other relatives.
Rev. John M. Groat will officiate funeral services to be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Underwood Funeral Home. Burial will be at York Center Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Union County Military Funeral Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Masonic memorial services following the calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dick’s memory to the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com