Alvis "Ted" Francis, 93, of De Soto died Dec. 23, 2020, in De Soto. Mr. Francis served in the U.S. Navy from Nov. 8, 1945, to Oct. 8, 1947, and participated in Operation Crossroads. After his service, he worked as a manager of customer billing for the Missouri Pacific Railroad for 40 years. When he retired, he went on to work as a funeral director assistant at Mahn Funeral Home in De Soto, and served as a deacon, trustee, bus driver and R.A. Leader for many years at First Baptist Church. He enjoyed reading the Bible, mission trips, golfing with friends, fishing, camping and boating. Born Nov. 27, 1927, in Fisk, he was the son of the late Florence (Joiner) and Alfred W. Francis.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years: Connie Francis, whom he married Aug. 20, 1949 in Corinth, Miss.; four children: Barb Francis (Mark) Selikson of Radnor, Penn.; Mike (Emily) Francis of Chesterfield; Rick (Susan) Francis of De Soto and Allan (Christine) Francis of Natchez, Miss.; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by a sister: Wanda P. Carney.
A funeral service was held Dec. 28 at First Baptist Church in De Soto, officiated by Pastor Gene Smith. Burial was in the Peaceful Ridge Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church. Arrangements were under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home in De Soto.