Randall Lee Francis

Sept. 7, 1954 – Jan. 31, 2022

Randall Lee Francis, 67, 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 Sept. 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, he co-founded Midwest Bale Ties, Inc. He sold Midwest Bale Ties in 2015 to enjoy an early retirement. He 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.

He was truly one of a kind. He will be remembered for his huge heart and gift of gab. He 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. He had a smile on his face everywhere he went. He touched an innumerable number of lives and will be sorely missed by many.

Survivors inlcude 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 his great-grandchild, Landon Lee Burris. Also surviving are his brothers, Jeff (Tricia) Francis of Sharpsburg, Ga., Chris (Colleen) Francis, Scott Francis and John David Francis, all of Crawfordsville; and his sisters, Debbie Francis of Acworth, Ga., Sally Tribbett of Bradenton, Fla., Pamela Bagley of St. Augustine, Fla., Amy (David) Peters of El Paso, Texas, Carla (Roy) Hurt, Kimberly Francis and Keri Francis all of Crawfordsville. He is also survived by his stepmother, Carol Francis, aunt, Penny Sterling, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who felt like family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Michael Francis, and his sister, Jan Francis Sullivan.

Friends and family are invited to visit Mr. Francis on Saturday, Feb. 5th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sanders Priebe Funeral Care, 315 S Washington St, in Crawfordsville. The celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Feb. 6th at 2 p.m. 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.

Feel free to donate in his 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.