Joseph (Joe) L. Francis Sr., age 95, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. He was born on March 18, 1929 in Logan, Ohio to Joseph and Chafee Francis. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII. After serving in the military he worked at his dad's family tavern, The Sportsman. Later he sold cars, worked on the southern Ohio to Toledo railroad, was on the line at North American Rockwell, and (for most of his career) worked at Western Electric, where he retired after 35 years. Joe also enjoyed volunteering and working as an Ohio State football stadium red and black coat for 25-plus years. Joe was a St. Mary Magdalene Church member. He enjoyed an amazing life with his wife Gloria, whom he was married to for 63 years. He also enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, golfing, playing cards with his family, many wonderful friendships, a good grilled steak, playing pool, and his friends later in life at Stone Oak and Bickford. Joe relished his Lebanese heritage, dancing at Syrian-Lebanese functions, and preparing his favorite humas dish with an overabundance of garlic. He was a friend to everyone he met, looking beyond their skin color or any other status, and joking about life together. Joe even became an honorary Italian through his wife Gloria, doing the tarantella together and throwing bocce balls with the best. Preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Gloria. Survived by his children, Joe (Sharon) Francis Jr., Debbi Susi and Jeff Francis; grandchildren, Art Josie (Kelly), Joseph, Nathan (Annie), Anna and Sarah; great-granddaughters, Josephine and Christina; sister, Ellie Karales; and former son-in-law, Art (Ellie) Susi; many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 10-11:00 am at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 473 S. Roys Ave.,Columbus, Ohio 43204 where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am with Fr. Slawomir Siok. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery.
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