Lee Lamar Francis

FARMINGTON – Lee Lamar Francis of Farmington, Missouri, passed away on December 31, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born October 14, 1933, to the late Mont and Cora (Simmons) Francis. He was united in marriage on August 18, 1950, to Ella Marie Elders. They had been married for 67 years when she passed away in 2018. Also preceding him in death was a daughter, Patricia Dianne Francis; a son, Duaine Lee Francis; brothers, Silas Francis and his wife, Ashli, Earl Francis and his wife, Madeline, and William Francis, as a child; a sister, Virginia (Francis) Albaugh and her husband, Leroy; nephews, David Francis and his wife, Janet and Dr. John Albaugh; nieces, Diana McMullen-Reynolds and Janet Fihaki; and a great niece, Kaytlen Christine Sales; sisters-in-law, Norma (Charlie) Upchurch, Glenda (Irie) Hahn, and Mary Lou (John) Hunt. 

Lee is survived by his grandson, Aaron Lee Francis; his sister-in-law, Charlotte Tidwell; his brother-in-law, Ray (Sharon) Elders; nephews, Steve (Rita) Francis, Larry (Kay) Francis, Monte (Shirley) Francis, Bryan (Janet) Albaugh, Mike Elders, Mark (Vanessa) Upchurch, Kenneth (Lisa) Sales, Darin Tidwell; nieces, Carolyn (Jonathon) Chester, Joyce (Steve) Rogers, Debbie (Ted) Parker, Sharon Hahn Reed Gregory; great nephews, Jonathon Sales and Josh Tidwell; a great niece, Christina (Jesse) Carter; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Lee earned his master’s degree at Washington University in St. Louis. He worked as a teacher in Scottsdale, Arizona and Lesterville, Missouri school districts and then went on to teach at the Missouri Department of Corrections. He also worked and co-owned Cardinal Home Builders and owned Francis Realty and Farmington Kawasaki. Lee was a past master of the Farmington Masonic Lodge #132.  

Lee was a talented musician in his younger years. Lee and his wife, Ella played and sang in the Farmington Assembly of God’s Church choir. He also enjoyed fishing. Lee will be remembered as being patient, kind, compassionate and selfless. He dedicated his life to caring for his family during their time of need and always put his family’s needs before his own. Lee will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

 A celebration of Lee’s life will be held at a later date. Lee will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery alongside his wife, daughter, and son. Share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.