Richard F. "Dick" Francis (90) of Altamont

Richard F. “Dick” Francis, 90, of Altamont, died at 10:50 a.m. Thursday, August 10, 2023 at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Effingham.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 14, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church, Altamont with Pastor Gene Creek officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery with military rites by Gieseking-Schwerdtfeger VFW Post #7676, Altamont. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday at the church. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Richard F. Francis was born on Monday, December 26, 1932 in rural Altamont to Glenn C. and Hazel B. (Winter) Francis. He married Joanne D. Seaman on April 2, 1954 at the First United Methodist Church. She preceded him in death after having enjoyed over 69 years of marriage. He was a retired farmer and auctioneer. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church having served in various capacities over the years and had served on the Altamont City Council, and was a member of and past chairman of the Effingham County Board. He was a proud veteran having served in the US Navy during the Korean War. Dick didn’t know a stranger and was always looking for a new conversation. He enjoyed filling a need whether it was mowing a lawn, helping pay bills or lending a hand. He had a sense of humor that lasted through his final days making all around him laugh. Dick loved the Lord and served Him well. He had a strong sense of self and a determined spirit. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by: his son, Steve Francis of Vandalia; daughters, Peg (Kent) Wolff of Altamont, Pat (Dan) Laack of Vandalia and Julie (Brant) Nohren of Altamont; 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by; brothers, Robert (Lucille) Francis and Eugene Francis, in infancy and his son-in-law, Mickey Hayden.

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