Harold “Dale” Francis

Aug 16, 1925 - Sept 7, 2016

The second eldest son of Harold Lloyd and Grace Irene Francis.

He was always an adventurous spirit with a true compassion for humankind, having a quick wit and enormously generous spirit. Upon graduation from High School (Waite ,Toledo Ohio 1943) he was drafted to the Army and because of his quick aptitude was assigned as a Combat Medic. He immediately saw action at the “Battle of the Bulge” in France, and was among the first to render aid to the survivors at the Buchenwald concentration camp, the first Nazi concentration camp to fall.  While serving in the war he sent his pay checks home to support his family.

After the war Dale sought employment at the Toledo Jeep (Willys-Overland) facility. His work included manager of several major divisions (Office, Press and Material Handling) and he played an instrumental part in the purchase of the Autolite facility on Stickney Ave where the current Jeep facility is located. After an illustrious career at Jeep he retired in 1986.

In his retirement years he loved to travel and visit family. He always contributed to his families success and education.  Having been raised during the Great depression he grew to understand and respect people. He, throughout his life, always sought to help those in need. Dale loved to work at the Good Sheperd kitchen in Burlington and  help those in need. A truly knowledgeable, generous, and kind man.

He was a devoted Brother, Uncle, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He is preceded in death by His Mother and Father, Brothers Leonard and Clair, Sisters Bonnie and Donna and daughter Karen Lee Francis (Haney). Surviving are his sister Veda Francis Miller, Sons Dale Allen, John Strawser, James Patrick, and Daughters Kim Francis Michael and Virginia Miller. He was truly a devoted family man. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at Trinity Worship Center. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Interment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Sign an online register book at www.omegafsc.com. Arrangements are in the care of Omega Funeral Service & Crematory. 

 Service Information