Jack J. Francis, 94, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 1:45 am, Friday, March 25, 2022, at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester. He was born on November 27, 1927, in Hoopeston, Illinois, to Charles Delbert and Benita N. “Beni” (Vaughn) Francis.
Jack was a graduate of Lafayette Jeff High School, attended Purdue University, and was a US Army veteran. He married Marjorie Cheek in Kempton, Indiana on August 10, 1953. In 1961, Jack and Marge, opened the Francis Shoppe in Wabash. He was a salesman for Bowman Products, and founded South Side Supply in 1972. He also worked for the Hoosier Lottery, and owned and operated Jack’s Antiques. Jack was a member of the Wabash Presbyterian Church and the Wabash Elks Lodge. He was a former member of the American Legion Post 15 and the V.F.W. Post 286, both of Wabash. Jack enjoyed talking to people, spending time with his family, collecting coins, antiques, and Wabash and US History. He loved Wabash.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Francis of Wabash; two daughters, Sherri (Mike) Elward of Roann, Indiana, and Terri (Ken) Ahlfeld of Wabash; seven grandchildren, Matt (Emily) Ahlfeld of Noblesville, Indiana, Natalie (Eric) Pieczkowski of Hinsdale, Illinois, Stacy (Scott) Snively of Zionsville, Indiana, Shawn (Stacy) Ahlfeld of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Nicole (Kip) Chase of Indianapolis, Indiana, Ryan Elward of Roann, and Jennifer (Mike) O’Neill of Shawnee, Kansas, 20 great grandchildren, and many extended members of the Cheek family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Gene Francis.
Friends may call 4-7 pm Monday, March 28, 2022, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Funeral services will be private.
Preferred memorial is Animal Shelter of Wabash County.
The memorial guest book for Jack may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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