The Richmond News, Mar. 17, 2023

Roland Wayne Francis, 68, of Hardin died Saturday, March 11, 2023, at his home. Roland was born on Aug. 6, 1954, in Independence, the son of Harold Eugene and Mary Frances (Van Dyke) Francis. He was united in marriage to Norma Hubble of Independence on March 1, 1975. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include: his mother, Mary Francis of Richmond; son, Jeremy (Amy) Francis of Liberty; daughter, Kelly (Landon) Hawkins of Hardin; five grandsons, Sam (Kylin) Hawkins, Nate Hawkins, Drew Hawkins, Alex Francis and Evan Francis; great-grandbaby boy, Hawkins, due in July; two brothers, David (Judy) Francis of Forsythe and Eric (Lillian) Francis of Riverside; and sister, Lois (Jay) Valero of Twentynine Palms, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his father and his granddaughter, Katelyn Elizabeth Hawkins.

Roland was a well-known science teacher and Boy Scout leader in the area. The family lived in Independence, Norborne, rural Richmond, Stet and Hardin.

Roland’s teaching career began in the Stet R-XV School District, where he taught from 1977 to 1997. He then taught from 1997 to 2001 at Carrollton High School. He finished his teaching career from 2001 to 2023 at Hardin-Central High School.

Roland was active in Scouting BSA. He was scoutmaster of Troop 324 for 27 years. He was an Eagle Scout and a lifelong member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say with the responsibility of a Sagamore.

His hobbies and interests included spending time with his family, being outdoors, camping, canoeing and enjoying nature. He especially enjoyed doing all those activities with his grandsons. Roland also spent a great deal of time investing in and mentoring youth.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Roland Francis Memorial Fund to be used to help children attend Scout camp. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17, at Hardin-Central High School. There will be a Tribe of Mic-O-Say service first, followed by a traditional memorial service.

A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Please share your memories of Roland with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com and everloved. com/life-of/roland-francis.