Bruce 'Bob' Francis

BRUCE ROBERT "BOB" FRANCIS

Burlington

Bruce Robert "Bob" Francis, 93, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021, at the University of Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Bob was born Nov. 12, 1927, the son of Ruby Bryan Francis and Estella "Stella" Gladys (Richardson) Francis in Bloomfield, Iowa. On July 12, 1950, he married Miriam Elizabeth Elmore, daughter of Walter Glen "Hap" Elmore and Mary Lucille (Hudson) Elmore. The couple recently celebrated 71 happy years together.

Bob graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1946 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 31, 1946, serving at Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippine Islands and at Guam, Marianas Islands until his honorable discharge on May 30, 1949. Beginning in the fall of 1949, he attended Iowa Wesleyan College in pursuit of an Iowa teaching certification. He began his teaching career in Newberg, Iowa, and then in Salem, Iowa, teaching science, coaching baseball and basketball and serving as the Salem school principal for the 1959-1960 school year. In the fall of 1960, he moved his family to Burlington, Iowa, and took a position as science teacher at Oak Street Junior High School, where he stayed until his retirement from teaching in 1982. During this time, he earned his Masters Degree from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. His students were one of the great loves of his life.

Bob enjoyed trave ling, golfing with his friends, fly fishing, building bird houses and feeders, and spending time with his grandchildren and a few other hobbies that kept him occupied.

Bob is survived by his wife, Miriam; three sons, Dannie (Joyce) Francis of Wever, Iowa, Marc of Burlington, Iowa, and Kevin of Burlington, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Chad (Nicole) Francis of Canon City, Colo., Daniele (Adam) Lakin of Monument, Colo., Tom (Tricia) Patterson of Burlington, Iowa, Ben (Megan) Patterson of LeClaire, Iowa, Kim (Nick) LaFauce of West Burlington, Iowa, Mike Menke of Burlington, Iowa, Caleb (Whitney) Titus of Burlington, Iowa, Ryan Francis of Mason City, Iowa; many great-grandchildren; and one sister, Martha Jean Dooley, Freeport, Ill.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kathleen Titus; one grandson, Trent Robert Francis; and two sisters, Nancy Jane Rayburn and Mary Ellen Williams.

Cremation was accorded by Lunning Funeral Chapel and visitation for Bob will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 29, at Lunning Chapel. Church and graveside services will not be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Peace Lutheran Church, 13646 Beaverdale Rd., West Burlington, IA 52655.