Robert Francis

Robert "Bob" LeRoy Francis, 83, Bismarck, died December 18, 2003, at a Bismarck care center. Funeral services will be Monday at 1:00 PM at Boelter-Eastgate Funeral Service, 200 W. Turnpike Ave., Bismarck, with the Rev. Jake Kincaid officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 - 9 PM at Boelter-Eastgate Funeral Service. Robert was born on September 23, 1920, in Bismarck, the son of Stanley and Nevada McDonald Francis. He was raised and educated in Bismarck and graduated from Bismarck High School. After high school, Bob attended Bismarck State College. He then entered the military during World War II and was in the Army Air Corp as a bombardier on a B-17 plane as part of the 351st Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, stationed at Polebrook, England. His plane was shot down over Germany on November 26, 1944, and he spent the remainder of the war as a POW at Stalag Luft 1 in Barth, Germany. After the war, Bob remained in the Air Force Reserves and attained the rank of Major. Upon returning from the war, he continued his education at the University of North Dakota, studying chemistry and engineering. Upon graduation, Bob returned to Bismarck and went to work for the North Dakota Health Department as a chemist. Later in his career at the Health Department, he worked as a professional engineer in the Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control where he was Assistant Director at the time of his retirement after 38 years of service. Bob married Jewell McBee on June 6, 1953, in Mandan, and together they raised three sons until the time of her death in 1967. Bob never remarried. Bob had many interests and talents. He loved to travel, read, and do carpentry projects. He pursued interests in Ham Radio, computers, and was always fascinated with the latest technological gadgets. He enjoyed the company of friends and family and was especially fond of the family pets. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, and the 351st Bomb Group Association. He is survived by his three sons and one daughter-in-law, Steve of Oakland, California, Barry of Bismarck, and Brian and Melody of Bismarck; his grandchildren, Kate Francis of Bismarck, Mike Francis of Oakland, California, Holly Harper of Bismarck, Angie Dockter of Kearny, Nebraska, Susan Wolf of Bismarck, and Mike Wolf of Bismarck; and his great-grandchildren, Nakiel Harper and Kiara Harper. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Nevada, and his wife, Jewell. The family prefers memorials be given to American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

Robert Francis

September 23, 1920 - December 18, 2003