William E. “Bill” Francis, 76, of Richmond, died Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. 

Bill was born on December 22, 1945, in Kansas City, the son of John Everett and Pauline (Story) Francis.  He was united in marriage to Joan Sturgeon of Stet on October 11, 1969; she survives of the home. 

Additional survivors include: two daughters, Dawn Lorene Houston of Richmond and Denise Lynn Francis of Seattle, WA; five grandchildren: Alexandra Nicole Francis, Phillip Aaron Francis, Christopher David Francis, Dereck Kayne Moyer, and Morgan Emma LaRue Houston; three great-grandchildren: Zaide Dakota Francis, Atreus Kayne Moyer, and Aiden Elby Francis; two brothers, James Everett (Jeanette) Francis of Camden Point and Paul Eugene Rippy; and sister, Barbara Ann Fackler of Kansas City. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Deanna LaRue Moyer, and two sisters, Juanita LaVonne Putt and Kennetta Lynn Adams. 

Bill was a very proud veteran, serving in the United States Army; He served in wartime as an Army Medic in Vietnam, during the TET offensive.  Bill was an ordained minister with the Churches of God, North America.  He was also a member of the VFW, NRA, and the Lafayette County Gun Club.  Bill will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richmond Assembly of God Church.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085. 

Visitation with funeral service will be held on Monday, May 9, 2022, at the Richmond Assembly of God Church, with visitation beginning at 12:00 P.M., with services to follow at 1:00 P.M.  Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Please remember to share your memories of Bill with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.