Mr. Gary A. Francis Sr.

Gary A. Francis, Sr., age 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at his home in Franklin. He was a resident of Franklin and former resident of New Palestine.

Gary was born Gary Allen Martin January 21, 1942, in Virgie, Kentucky to Curtis Martin and Edythe Keel, and legally changed his name to Francis in 1963. He was a 1960 graduate of Beech Grove High School. He went on to serve with the Indiana National Guard as a Military Officer from 1963 - 1969. He married Marilyn Fox on July 24, 1965 in Greenwood (divorced), and later married Karen Litson on June 26, 1982 in New Palestine. Karen preceded him in death on March 21, 2000 after 18 devoted years of marriage.

Gary retired in 2002 as a Machinist with Amtrack in Beech Grove after 40 years of service. He was a member of the UA Local 440 Plumbers & Pipefitters. In his spare time Gary enjoyed being a HAM Radio Operator (N9SQG), fishing, listening to blue grass music, playing his bass, mandolin, and guitar, and was known for his wonderful humor. He enjoyed watching golf and westerns on television and will be remembered for being an electronics enthusiast. Most of all, Gary enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He will be missed by his children: Annette (Vince) Barr of Franklin and Gary A. Francis Jr. of Bargersville, siblings: Larry Francis of Greenwood, Bud (Irene) Francis of Greenfield, and Deborah Bryant of Beech Grove, first wife Marilyn (Fox) Hougland of Trafalgar, and grandchildren: Andrew (Danielle) Barr, Alyssa Barr, and A. J. Barr all of Franklin and great-grandchildren: Hadleigh and Rayeli Sawyer.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Martin and Edythe (Keel) Francis, his stepfather, Watson Francis, and second wife, Karen Francis.

The Dr. Steven L. Sorensen will conduct a Celebration of Life Service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 11th at Providence Christian Church: 4080 West County Road 100 North Bargersville, IN 46106. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until service time Thursday at the church. Military rites will be presented by the Franklin American Legion Honor Guard following the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.

Memorial contributions may be sent in honor of Gary to the American Heart Association: 6100 West 96th Street Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.meredith-clark.com. Information: (812) 597-4670

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