Francis Allen Cripps

GRAND TOWER - Francis Allen Cripps, age 79, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024 at the Marion VA Medical Center. 

 Francis was born on November 7, 1944 in Murphysboro, to Frank and Mary (Wright) Cripps. 

 Francis graduated from Shawnee High School in Wolf Lake Francis. He was a home town boy of Grand Tower and was locally known as Clown or Poncho.  Francis served his country in the U.S. Airforce during the Vietnam War from 1965 – 1969.  After his time in the military, he worked for Western Southern Life Insurance and then went on to work as an iron worker for the Local 112 in Peoria until his retirement.    He was an avid sports fan and loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and SIU basketball.

 Francis is survived by his daughters, Angel Cripps and Heidi (Josh) Freeman; mother of his children, Mary Qualls Cripps; grandchildren, William Wyatt Harris, Sylvia (Damian) Morales, Franco Pacheco, Rusty Smith, Cameron Freeman, and Braden (fiancé Raquel) Freeman; great-grandchildren, Braylynn Freeman, Rosalina Morales, and coming in August, Knox Freeman; sisters, Bernadine Thompson and Ellen Robertson; and many relatives and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandchild, Octavia Harris; brothers, Johnny, James, Frankie, David and Mark; and sisters, Colleen and Rosemary.

 Funeral Services for Francis will be held at 11:00am on Friday, May 31, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Grand Tower with Dale Dunmyer and Bob Henson officiating.   Burial will follow with Military Rites at Walker Hill Cemetery in Grand Tower.  Visitation will be from 9:00am until the time of the service on Friday at the church.  Wearing St. Louis Cardinal attire is encouraged for the service.

 Memorials may be made to Shawnee Junior Senior High School Veteran’s Wall and will be accepted at the church. 

 Meredith Funeral Chapel in Grand Tower assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Francis visit www.meredithfh.com