Michael Keith Francis

ANNA - Michael Keith Francis, 62, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Landmark Hospital of Cape Girardeau, MO, surrounded by his loving family.



Michael was born on November 20, 1958 to Herman "Bill" and Anna Kathleen "Kay" (Bratcher) Francis in Carbondale, Illinois. He married Julie Bernadean Nannie on February 10, 1988 in Paducah, KY.



Michael is survived by his wife Julie Francis of Anna; one daughter, Jesse (Francis) Fenton of Carbondale; five brothers, David Francis of Makanda, Bruce Francis of Murphysboro, Tim Francis of Cobden, Dan Francis of Makanda, and John Francis of Readyville, TN; and one sister, Alice (Francis) Rowan of Carlyle.



He was preceded in death by his parents.



Michael was a man known for his outstanding character and humor. His nieces and nephews knew him as "Uncle Funny Man," and he always had a joke to tell, knowledge to share, and a smile on his face. In his younger years he could be found drag racing cars such as his blue Chevy Vega "Makanda Madness," and in recent years spent his spare time working on his 1946 Dodge Fargo rat rod. He had a creative mind and passion to teach, helping many people learn to work on vehicles and build remote controlled boats. He also participated in historical reenactments with his wife and daughter and gave educational demonstrations to Touch of Nature campers and local grade school classes. He was a proud father, supporting his daughter's passion for horses by spending weekends at horse shows and later encouraging her to continue pursuing her passion for horses through college. He was an exceptional man and carried the title of husband, father, brother, uncle, son, and friend with pride.



Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Gary Darnell officiating. Burial will follow at the Busby Cemetery in Goreville, Illinois. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at the funeral home. Due to COVID restrictions no more than 50 people are allowed into the funeral home at one time along with the requirement of wearing a mask and social distancing.



Preferred forms of remembrance may be directed to Children's Hospital of St. Louis, MO and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.



To leave a story or memory of Michael, visit www.meredithfh.com