William "Bill" Tecumseh Francis

William “Bill” Tecumseh Francis, age 90, of Belle passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021 at his residence surrounded by family.

Bill was born August 31, 1930, in rural Osage County, a son to the late Ira and Alta (Griffith) Francis.

Bill was a lifelong area resident and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was married twice and widowed twice. His first wife, Ina (Ridenhour) Francis passed away February 28, 1964 and his second wife, Augusta (Meyer) Francis, passed away March 21, 2006. Bill was lucky to find companionship once more with Delores Heck who passed away April 9, 2018.

Bill was employed at the Belle Counter Factory for over 30 years and worked at the Missouri State Prison in Jefferson City for 8 years. He was a member of the Belle United Methodist Church.

His many hobbies included playing cards, reading, farming, dancing when he was younger, and studying his Bible everyday. Bill served as the treasurer for the Osage County Republican Committee as well as for the Francis Cemetery Board. He volunteered at Called Anointed Sent later in life and he loved a good cup of coffee, but family came first with Bill. He loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and his community.

Bill is survived by: four children, Jackie Tyree and her husband Elmer of Linn, Vickie Francis of Jefferson City, Angie Nastasi and her husband Joe of Kansas City, and Jerry Francis and his girlfriend Samantha Slinkman of Belle; nine grandchildren, John Helmig and Dorinda Howard of Belle, Matthew Helmig and his wife Darlene of Belle, David Helmig and his wife Christina of Tibbetts, Brian Francis and his wife Amy of Union, Michael Francis and his wife  Christina of West Palm Beach, Florida, Joshua Nastasi of Olathe, Ks, Jesse Nastasi of Kansas City, Abbie Nastasi of Kansas City, and Brittany Francis of Eureka; eight great-grandchildren, Ethan Helmig of Belle, Erin Helmig of Belle, Emily Helmig of Belle, Ella Helmig of Tibbetts, Elijah Helmig of Tibbetts, Jessica Francis of Union, Tara Sauer of Colorado, and Trey Sauer of St. Louis; two brothers, Gentry Francis and his wife Carol of Titusville, Pa. and Donald Francis of Liberal, Ks; one daughter-in-law, Margaret Francis of Eureka; one sister-in-law, Shirley Francis of St. Louis; and one brother-in-law, Mickey Meyer of Chamois as well as many extended family members and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by: his parents, Ira and Alta Francis, two spouses, Ina and Augusta Francis; special friend and companion Delores Heck; his stepfather, Arthur Francis; four children, James, Richard, Pamela, and Phillip Francis; one grandson, Daniel Helmig; two brothers, Harold Francis and Gary Francis; one sister, Muriel Francis Lansford; and nephew, Christopher Francis.      

Visitation for Bill will be on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 15, 2021 at the Belle United Methodist Church in Belle with Kevin Runge officiating. Interment will be in the Francis Cemetery near Belle with full military honors.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Francis Cemetery, 277 County Road 721, Belle, MO 65013.