Robert Francis

Robert B. Francis, 87, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Thursday, Feb. 7, 1929, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, to Harry and Chessie Brenneke Francis.

Bob was a 1947 graduate of Bonne Terre High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He and Rosa Leora "Rosalie" Mayo were married Saturday, Feb. 21, 1953, at Bonne Terre.

Bob worked in the food industry in many areas, from being a butcher to store owner, and later a food broker for Bene-Patterson Co. of St. Louis for 30 years.

He and Rosalie were members of Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau for many years. Growing up in Bonne Terre, he was a member of First Congregational Church. His great-grandfather, the Rev. Edward T. Doane, became the first pastor of the church, which was organized Feb. 20, 1878, with 15 members.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Rosalie Francis of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Pam (Roger) Westrich of Cape Girardeau; son, Robert D. (Tamie) Francis of St. Louis; four grandchildren, Conrad and Audrey Westrich and Jessica and Christopher Francis; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, H.E. Francis Jr.; a sister, Virginia L. Ward-Evans; and a niece, Jill Francis Walker.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Congregational Church, 20 Church St., in Bonne Terre, with the Rev. Lansford Lawrence officiating. Burial with military tribute will be at St. Francois Memorial Park Cemetery in Bonne Terre.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace United Methodist Church or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.