Donald B. Francis, 85, of Springfield, passed away on March 30, 2026. He was born February 11, 1941 in St. Louis, MO to Barrett and Letty (Jones) Francis. He grew up in Bonne Terre, MO.

After graduating from Bonne Terre High School, he attended Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri in Columbia. While in Columbia, he met his wife of 59 years, Marge.

Don served in the Army Reserves, and afterwards he was employed by 3M as a salesman in the industrial tape division. His first territory was Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and in 1966 transferred to Springfield, MO and the surrounding areas. He started his own business, Ozark Tape and Label, in 1970 and sold it in 2015.

Don was a member of MSGA, SSGA, Highland Springs CC, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, 3M Masquers Club and St. James Episcopal Church. He liked to fish, play tennis and golf, for which he had a great passion. He enjoyed coaching his son Kevin’s basketball and baseball teams. They followed Men’s Collegiate Basketball and traveled to Las Vegas for March Madness.

After he died, Bishop Jos Tharakan, Bishop of Idaho and formally Rector of St. James Episcopal Church, referred to him as a gentle soul. As Bishop Jos said, “We die as we live,” and Don died peacefully. He was cared for by passionate Doctors and Nurses at Cox Hospital. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Addiann Hinds

Don is survived by his wife, Marjorie L. Francis; son, Kevin Francis (Krista) of Dayton, OH; grandson, Ian Francis; step-grandchildren Hunter and Brynn; niece, Cynthia Hinds and son-in-law, Christopher Lane (Susan).

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026 at St. James Episcopal Church, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to SW MO Humane Society, St. James Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice.