Ward Earl Francis

Ward Earl Francis, 76, of Independence, Mo., passed away on Dec. 19, surrounded by family and encircled in love.

Ward was born January, 19, 1948 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Melvin Earl Francis and Genevieve M. Hougas Francis.

Ward graduated from Wheeling W.V. High School in 1966, then went to Graceland College and Central Missouri State University earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology. He was a park ranger and managed hardware stores and fast-food restaurants, touching lives and inspiring his coworkers at each location.

Ward married Jeanne Patrice Kelley on August 28, 1971, at the Englewood (RLDS) church. Ward and Jeanne were married three months shy of 50 years and had two children: son, Joel, of Kansas City, Mo., daughter Julia, of Brooklyn, N.Y. and one very special grandson, Simon, also of Kansas City, Mo.

Ward loved growing flowers and exotic plants, going for walks through the woods, playing viola in the Heritage Philharmonic, cheering for the Royals, Chiefs and Jayhawks and eating BBQ or pizza. Family involvement enhanced all of these activities. 

Ward is survived by his children and grandson, sister Bonnie Avery, of Mississauga, Ontario, son-in-law Able Parris, daughter-in-law Rachel Beckett Francis, many cousins, nieces and nephews and cherished friends.

Preceding Ward in death are spouse, Jeanne and parents, Melvin and Genevieve.The funeral will be Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Community of Christ, 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mercy Corps international humanitarian aid general fund at mercycorps.com/donate.