Donald Francis, Sr. Obituary (1925

Donald M. “Chub” Francis, 99, resident of the Arc at Dwight and formerly of Chenoa, passed away on September 9, 2025 at the home. Cremation rites will be accorded. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 22nd at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pontiac with Pastor Christine McNeal officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac is handling the arrangements. Donald was born on October 18, 1925 in Odell, the son of Joseph, Sr. and Florence (Tissiere) Francis. He married Margaret Farrell on October 23, 1948 in Pontiac. She preceded him in death on August 30, 1996. He is survived by three sons, Donald Francis, Jr. of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Robert (Ann) Francis of Fairbury, and Paul (Lori) Francis of Mahomet; a daughter, Jean Francis of Pontiac; and nine grandchildren, Laura (Kevin) Krogh, Casey (Lacey) Francis, Andrew (Coral) Bassett, Katie (Reid) Bressner, Kelly (Patrick) Cleary, Kurt (Leanne) Francis, Douglas (Hannah) Francis, Rick (Celia Espinosa) Francis, and Emily Francis. He is also survived by 14 great grandchildren; two brothers, Clifford (Mary) Francis and Clyde Francis; and a sister-in-law, Patricia Francis. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kathryn Vitzthum; and four brothers, Joseph, Glenn, Louis, and Eugene. Donald attended Odell schools and graduated from Pontiac Township High School. Donald farmed his entire life in the Pontiac and Chenoa areas.