Richard Duane Francis, age 86, of North Platte, NE, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2015, at the Golden Living Center in Cozad, NE.

Richard was born December 24, 1928, to Thistle and Bessie May Parks Francis near Rebanon, KS. For most of his young life Richard lived with his grandmother and grandfather Francis on the farm. Since it was during the Depression and drought, his parents had had to work hard to put food on the table. By the age of 17, Richard’s father quit farming and bought a gas station, which they both worked until Richard was sent to Korea for two years.

Richard served in the U.S. Army then upon his discharge at Camp Crowder, MO he began working at a Firestone Store in Smith Center, KS. It was during this time that Richard met Florence Marie Schriner in a whirlwind courtship that lasted seven days before they took their marriage vows on September 26, 1954, at Kensington, KS. This marriage lasted 44 years until Florence passed away in 1998.

Since he was married, they made the decision to move to Los Angles, CA where Richard was employed by North American Aircraft for a year. They later moved to Omaha, NE and lived in Council Bluffs, IA. Richard worked for Wilson Packing in Omaha for the next 20 years until the plant closed. While living in Council Bluffs, two daughters, Jayne Marie and Julie Ann, brought great happiness to the home.

The family later moved to Riverton, NE where Richard was employed by Ely Grain at Red Cloud, and worked for 20 years before retiring. He and Florence also ran a fitness center at Red Cloud until his wife was unable to work. They eventually sold their home and moved to North Platte in July of 1996 to be closer to their daughters and families.

Richard leaves behind his daughters, Jayne Medina, of Lehigh Acres, FL, and Julie (Scott) Sharp, of North Platte; six grandchildren, Jachael Wilson, Kyle Jahneke, Jordan (Monica) Jahneke, Brandon Sharp, Ethan Sharp and Jonathan Sharp; three great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Kailynn and Amelia; and other family.

Along with his wife, Florence, Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Thistle and Bessie; and two sisters, Helen Wagner and Catherine Lawrence.

Cremation was chosen. A private family memorial service will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.