Mark Francis

Mark Francis, affectionately known as Pete, departed this Earth on May 18 2025 in Frankfort KY. He was the firstborn son of the late Clinton and Betty Francis born in Iaeger, WV. 

He was a graduate of Gilbert High School, Class of 1972, and Marshall University School of Journalism, Class of 1976. 

Mark had a very storied career working at newspapers in Williamson WV, Beckley WV, Jamestown NY, Richmond KY, and retired from The Daily Sun in The Villages FL. 

A member of First Baptist Church of Leesburg FL, he served as a deacon, a former Sunday School director, and worked in various ministries in the church. 

Those left to cherish his memory and love are his beloved wife, Kelly, of Leesburg FL, his daughter, Amy (Clay Crowe) Francis, Terre Haute IN, and his son, Joseph Francis, of Nashville TN. Also survived by his brother Mike (Diana) Francis, sisters Pam Francis and Lisa (Michael) Caldwell, all of Gilbert WV. Grandchildren Stockton, Iris, Connor, and Tristan Crowe of Indiana. Nephews Derrick Hall of Gilbert WV, Michael (Kristyn) Caldwell of Fairmont WV, Max (Ashna) Day of Lexington KY, and Daniel Kahn of Frankfort KY; nieces Makala (Zachary) Murphy of Huntington WV, and Sabrina (Billy) Manuel of Teays Valley WV. Great nephews, Branson and Hudson Manuel of Teays Valley WV; great nieces Lainey and Lakyn Caldwell of Fairmont WV, Sailor Murphy of Huntington WV, and Alana Day of Lexington KY. His mother-in-law, Ida Day, sister-in-law Amy Day of Frankfort KY. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, classmates, former colleagues and friends whom he cherished dearly.

A memorial service will be held at Horsepen Baptist Church, May 31 at 1:00pm led by Evangelist Billy Manuel and Pastor Arville Cline. There will be a time of fellowship and eating after and we invite all family and friends to come and celebrate his home-going and share stories and memories of Pete.

His wonderful smile and gentle heart will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to have known and loved him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Francis, please visit our floral store.