William T. "Bill" Francis

William Theodore “Bill” Francis passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center at the age of 87. Bill was born on June 8, 1934 in Lucas, KS to Theo “Red” and Ethel (Searle) Francis. Bill graduated from Lucas High School with the class of 1952. Shortly after graduation he was united in marriage to Twila Naegele on his birthday, June 8, 1952. They were blessed with three children: Russ, Karma and Glenda. He resided on the farm south of Lucas as a farmer and dairyman for over 40 years. If he wasn’t farming or milking cows, he was traveling to farm machinery sales trying to find a “good” buy or following sporting events. Some of his farm buying ventures included flying in his Cessna plane that he and his best friend purchased together. Bill had a love for music. He would grab his guitar and play with numerous country bands in the area. After retiring from farming, he pursued singing with one of his dear friends and started a band known as “The Good Ole Boys”. A few years later his daughter joined the group, and they became known as B & G Country. To those who knew him well, he was always willing to lend a helping hand and offer a humorous comment making people laugh and smile! He was preceded in death by his parents, Theo and Ethel Francis; grandson, Clint Francis; and brother-in-law, Paul Kelly. Survivors are Twila Francis of the home in Lucas; children, Russ Francis, Karma Habiger, Glenda (Mark) Buttenhoff of Lucas; sister, Almeta Kelly of Sylvan Grove; four grandchildren, Jade Ward, Kayla McGinnes, and Logan and Layne Buttenhoff; two great-grandchildren, Chalee and Gage Francis. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 10:30AM at the funeral home in Wilson. There will be no public visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Lucas Senior Center and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO BOX 533, Wilson, KS 67490.