William Thomas Francis

William Thomas Francis, December 15, 1931 - October 5, 2024

William Thomas Francis, 92, died peacefully in Simi Valley, California after a short illness on October 5, 2024. 

William was born on December 15, 1931 in Olympia, Washington to Merton and Marion Francis. After graduating from Olympia High School, he served seven years in the United States Navy, including in the Korean war. 

William attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he received a degree in Business Administration in 1961. He then worked in the Southern California aerospace industry for 30 years, including 20+ years in development and production of the mighty B1-B "Lancer" bomber with Rockwell International.

William met and married his first wife, Ida in 1956. Together they raised four children at their home in Fountain Valley, California. In retirement, they built their dream home in Grants Pass, Oregon, and traveled extensively in their RV with their many friends. William and Ida were married for 63 years until her passing.

William was blessed to find love again, marrying his second wife, Clarice, in 2020. They moved to Clarice's home in Simi Valley, California, where William was lovingly adopted by her large family. Together they shared many adventures, including camping, gardening, and participating in activities at the Sons of Norway Lodge in Van Nuys, California. They also attended services at the Covenant Church in Simi Valley.

William was an avid runner for most of his life, and completed the Boston Marathon among many other marathons and road races. In addition to RV travel and camping, he was a life-long woodworker, and could fix just about anything on his own.

William is preceded in death by his first wife Ida, his mother and father, brother Merton, and sisters Loretta and Maryellen. He is survived by his wife Clarice, his children, Charles "Mike", Rayleen, Kathleen, and William Jr., grandchildren Eugenia, Leila, Dylan, Shelby, and great-grandchild Abigail. 

A memorial service will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, Oregon at a date to be determined. A private family memorial will also be held in Simi Valley at a date to be determined.