Robert Leroy Francis

Robert Leroy Francis, 84, of Batesville, AR was called home to be with the Lord Thursday July 18 at home with his loving family. Robert served the Lord as a Pastor of The Word of Life Fellowship Church. Robert served as Director of Burning Bush Christian Coffeehouse from 1972-1974 and a second coffeehouse from 1981-1982. Robert served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps. He retired from Con-Agra on May 1, 1999 after 23 years of service. Robert loved playing the guitar and singing, preaching the gospel, and leading souls to Jesus. He shared the Gospel with the inmates at the Independence County Jail once a month. Robert not only preached but was an example of how to live for Jesus by the life he led. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife Eulene Vernell Ball, who passed in 1987 after 29 years of marriage, and one brother Ronald Francis who passed away in 1939. Robert is survived by his wife Donna Fay Francis, sons:  Robbi (Sandra) Francis and Kevin (Linda) Francis, his daughter Vicki Waters, his step-daughters:  Rosa (Scott) Brown, Donna (Bret) Lanning, Frankie (Johnny) England, one sister, Charlene Allen, grandchildren:  Kyle (Suzy) Francis, Tabitha Francis, Gina (Greg) Mohlke, Scott Waters, Chris Waters, and Jimmy Waters, step grandchildren:  Keith (Jamie) Riley, Misty (Danny) Babb, James (Misty) Lanning, Brittany Bunch, Jessie (Darnell) Wells, Faith England, and Kenton (Shauna) Riley, 5 great grandchildren, and 13 step great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 12-2 PM followed by a 2PM funeral on Monday July 22, both at Willis Fuenral Service in Batesville. Burial will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Cushman, AR. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Voice of The Martyrs in Oklahoma. 815 SE Bison Rd. Bartlesville, OK 74006

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