Randall Lee Francis
Sept. 7, 1954-Jan. 31, 2022
Randall Lee Francis, 67, of Crawfordsville went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 31, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Randy, as he was affectionately called, was born on September 7, 1954, in Crawfordsville to Phillip and Sharon (McClain) Francis. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1973. He worked at Mid-States Wire for 26 years. In 1999, Randy co-founded Midwest Bale Ties Inc. Randy sold Midwest Bale Ties in 2015 to enjoy an early retirement. Randy also farmed crops and was involved in 4-H, and he cherished his time with his children, grandchildren and friends at pig shows around the state and country. He loved attending Colts games and Purdue basketball games (despite being a lifelong IU fan). He was a member of Woodland Heights Christian Church.
Randy is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Brenda (McAlister) Francis. He is also survived by his children, Danielle Francis of Crawfordsville, Leslie (Brandon) Peacock of Crawfordsville, Frank Bowles of Indianapolis and Erin (Matthew) Meyers of Carmel; his grandchildren, Cade Burris, Carson Burris, Claire Peacock, Blaine Peacock and Edith Meyers; and great-grandchild Landon Lee Burris. Also surviving are his brothers, Jeff (Tricia) Francis of Sharpsburg, Georgia, and Chris (Colleen) Francis, Scott Francis and John David Francis, all of Crawfordsville; and his sisters, Debbie Francis of Acworth, Georgia, Sally Tribbett of Bradenton, Florida, Pamela Bagley of St. Augustine, Florida, Amy (David) Peters of El Paso, Texas and Carla (Roy) Hurt, Kimberly Francis and Keri Francis, all of Crawfordsville. He is also survived by his step-mother Carol Francis, aunt Penny Sterling and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who felt like family. Randy is preceded in death by his parents; brother Michael Francis; and sister Jan Francis Sullivan.
Randy was truly one of a kind. He will be remembered for his huge heart and gift of gab. Randy never met a stranger and took a genuine interest in peoples’ lives. He was hard-working, generous, honest, reliable, encouraging and had the patience of Job. Randy had a smile on his face everywhere he went. He touched an innumerable number of lives and will be sorely missed by many.
Friends and family are invited to visit Randy 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at Sanders Priebe Funeral Care, 315 S. Washington St., Crawfordsville. The celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 at the funeral home. The service will be live-steamed and recorded which can be viewed on his obituary page at www.sandersfuneralcare.com.
Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com.
In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate in Randy’s honor to the Montgomery County 4-H, Inc.: https://montgomery-county-4-h-inc.square.site/#ADhkQt or the Franciscan Health Foundation, c/o Lafayette East Cancer Center, 1501 Hartford Street, Lafayette, IN 47904.
