Richard Arthur Francis

Richard A. "Dick" Francis, a lifelong resident of Zanesville, 87, died at 3:30 A.M. Wednesday, January 15, 2014. He was born January 27, 1926 in Zanesville, a son of the late Raymond A. and Fannie I. Voll Francis. Dick retired from Ohio Bell, having worked as a Central Office Craftsman in Zanesville for 31 years retiring August 14, 1981. He was a Christian by faith and had been a member of First Assembly of God, where he served as a board member and taught Sunday School. He was a fifty year member of the NRA and loved the outdoors, and was a Veteran of World War II, where he served in the Asiatic Pacific with the 5th Air Force as a non-commissioned officer in communications. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jeannine Y. James Francis, whom he married October 19, 1947; a daughter, Rebecca Francis of Columbus, a son, Steven (Sharon) Francis of Zanesville; two Granddaughters, Stephanie (Cody) Ramsey and Shannon (Anthony) Kinner all of Zanesville; a sister, Ruth Gerber of Dover. No calling hours will be observed. A private family funeral service will be held at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE, with Pastor Wes Kidwell officiating. He will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery, Zanesville, with full military honors by the United States Army in conjunction with the VFW George Selsam Post 1058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Genesis Hospice- Morrison House: 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio 43701; First Assembly of God: 503 McIntire Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio 43701; or to Rhema House of Worship: P.O. Box 135, Roseville, Ohio 43777.