Robert Max Francis (1925-2018)

4 mins read
Robert Max Francis

INDUSTRY – Robert Max Francis, 93, passed away at his home in Industry, on Sept. 6, 2018.

He was born on July 7, 1925 in Altoona, Penn., the son of Samuel and Ethel (Dolly) (Livingston) Francis. Bob graduated from Mt. Union High School (PA) in the class of 1943 and went on to serve his country in the US Airforce/Army Aircorps from 1943 to 1945. He wrote an article about his mission assignment on Christmas Day in 1944, flying over Germany and many planes did not return; in conclusion, he said for Christmas that year, “I got life.”

Bob completed his Bachelor’s degree at Shippensburg College (PA), then earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Maine at Farmington. For many years, Bob taught school for the U.S. Department of Defense in; Tokyo, Japan; Munich and Ramstein, Germany; Fontainebleau, France; and Sicily, Italy. He taught at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington and was coach of the high school golf team. It was while he was teaching in Japan, that Bob met Jane Austin, and they were married in the Tokyo Embassy on June 6, 1962. She predeceased him on October 30, 1973. Bob was also predeceased by his sister, Omagene Rapolti.

Bob enjoyed traveling, fishing, biking, walking, volksmarching, and was an avid golfer. Bob was a green recycler before recycling became common. His skill developed from need. He grew up in the Great Depression and made good use of various parts that some would call scraps; he made his own tires for his box car from old inner tubes; he built his back porch from the wood and windows scrapped when UMF was building a new hall.

Bob is survived by; his son, Robert T. Francis and wife Jennifer of Granville, Mass.; his daughter, Anna Ramirez and husband Alejandro of Pagosa Springs, CO; his five grandchildren, Ruby and Dash Francis, and Elan, Avery and Chance Ramirez. He became part of a large extended family when he married Jane. He loved his nieces and nephews, and their families including; Jane Andrews, Josephine Bizier, Austin Kendall, Schuyler Kendall, Mary Cornelio, and Donna Shimuner; the children of Sonny and Betty Austin; the children of Marion and Clyde Barrows; and the children of Frank and Fonnie Austin. The Morrill-Dingley-Austin family is large and all of them were important and loved by Bob, including the children of Richard and Peggy Morrill. Bob also had the good fortune of making many friends, of all ages, who he loved very much. Some of his first students, now grandparents themselves, sent Bob Christmas cards every year. Bob will be dearly missed.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938, checks payable to HMBC Memorial Fund.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at 2 p.m., at the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, 110 Academy Street, Farmington, ME, with Rev. Susan Crane officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

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12 Comments

  1. Bob was the embodiment of what Tom Brokaw referred to as “The Greatest Generation.” Grew up in the Depression, fought in WWII, then build modern America. He was a friend, mentor, and teacher and will be greatly missed.

  2. Oh No! Bob was truly a good and decent man and a dear friend and I will miss him terribly. He lived an amazing life and told me of his WWII experience. There are damned few coming up to replace him. R.I.P. Bob.

  3. As a kid I had Mr. Francis for a teacher, didn’t care for his class or him. As a man, I came to know BOB Francis and found I really enjoyed our encounters. Some of the stories he shared of his service were amazing, and when he got going on family you could see the joy they brought him. My sincere condolences to Bob’s family, he will be missed by many.

  4. Mr. Francis was a wonderful man, teacher, historian, and golfer! He was one of my favorite memories of Mt. Blue HS. My condolences to his family and friends.

  5. Mr. Francis will remain a legend to my family. My memories of him will always be cherished. May he rest easy now that he and Jane are together again. My love and blessings to Anna and Robert as well as their families.

  6. How sad to read to that Bob has passed. My condolences to Robert and Anna, their families, and the rest of the “clan” who will miss Uncle Bob. I always enjoyed chatting with him on the street in town.

  7. My sincere condolences to Robert and Anna and all of Bob’s extended family . He was a very pleasant man to talk to and he always seemed to enjoy talking to all that he met up with. He is in a better place now and may he rest in peace.

  8. I was so sad to read of the passing of Mr. Francis. I had him as a teacher at Mt. Blue and learned so very much from him. e is one of my very favorite Mt. Blue memory. My condolences to his family and friends.

  9. My sincere condolences to Robert and Anna and all of Bob’s friends and extended family. He was a very nice man and I always enjoyed chatting with whenever our paths would cross. Rest in peace, Bob!!

  10. My condolences to Mr. Francis’ family and friends. My only class at Mt. Blue with Mr. Francis was a history class and that is the only time I’ve thoroughly enjoyed history!!

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