Dr. Richard Francis Sr.

Dr. Richard L. Francis Sr., 82, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, peacefully at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born Feb. 5, 1933, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Ira Ellsworth and Hazel Marie Colcher Francis. He and Joyce Merritt were married Aug. 22, 1965, in Kennett, Missouri.

Richard had a lifelong passion for learning. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University and earned a master's degree and doctorate degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

He taught mathematics and science at Kemper Military School and the University of Missouri before returning to Southeast Missouri State University in 1965. He retired from the mathematics department at Southeast in 2010 after 45 years of dedicated service. During his 55 years of teaching, he had many professional articles and math games published.

Richard was very devout in his faith, teaching Sunday school classes from early adulthood until last year. He was a member of the Church of God (headquartered in Anderson, Indiana) and later First Baptist Church. Over the years, he served and chaired many church committees. His faith and church were very important in his life, far more than his professional accomplishments.

His family was very important to him. He enjoyed the simple things in life, such as gardening, sitting in his porch swing and playing with his dog, Penny.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Francis of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Richard Lee Francis Jr. (Christa) and Michael Francis (Joy) of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Marie Kluesner of Cape Girardeau; four grandsons, Mason Seesing, Blake Seesing, Philip Francis and Jonathan Francis; two granddaughters, Anna Francis and Cameron Sullivan; three sisters, Jane Thorne of Dupo, Illinois, Sue Worley of Edgarville, Illinois, and Dorothy Campbell of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Donald Ray Francis.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at First Baptist Church, 1289 Lexington Ave.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Mike Shupert officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.