Roland Tilman "Pops" Francis, 75 of Marshall passed away June 7, 2019 in Marshall, Texas.  He was born March 17, 1941 in Denver City, Texas to William Bryan Francis and Charlotte Katherine Shoemaker Francis. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church in Waskom where he served in many ways.  He was an outgoing person, who was always pulling pranks, and joking with people.  He loved fishing and hunting, cooking and having get-togethers with his family, that he loved very much.  He was a hard worker and provider for his family and was the "best body man" ever, doing automobile body work for a living.  He served his country well in the US Army, and was a member of the American Legion.

Survivors are his wife of fifty-five years, Laura; children, Cindy Lou Francis and spouse Kendall, Wade Francis and spouse Robin, Kimberly Francis, and Karrie Ann Bellote and spouse Weldon; sisters and brothers, Darlene Francis, Shirley Francis, Keith Francis and wife Judy, David Francis and wife Rusty, Murl Robins, Nellie Morgan and husband Robert, Kenneth "Todgy" Francis and wife, and James "Hardrock" Francis; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  Numerous nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Cleo Greer, brothers, Newman Earl Francis, R.T. Strickland, Kenneth Francis, Billy Wayne Francis, Odi Francis, and Donald Gene Francis; sons, Bobby Long, Clayton Francis, Allen Francis, and daughter, Melissa Ann Francis.

Funeral services for Mr. Francis will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2019 in the chapel of Downs Funeral Home in Marshall with burial to follow in Colonial Gardens Cemetery.  A visitation time will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 11th at the Downs Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Francis, Kendall Sanders, Jr., Adam Anderson, Scott Breazeale, Devin Francis, and Dalton Vick.  Honorary Pallbearers are Darell George, and Lonnie Castle.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

Huntington's Disease Society of America

505 Eighth Ave. Suite 902

New York, NY 10018