Collin John Francis
Obituary for Collin John Francis | Ryan Mortuary
September 6, 1948 ~ February 14, 2022 (age 73)
Collin John Francis was born on September 6, 1948, at St. John's Hospital in Salina, Kansas. He passed away, surrounded by family, on February 14, 2022, from complications of pneumonia.
He was preceded in death by his parents Vike and Yvonne Francis; two brothers, Trey and Sean Francis; and his lovely wife of 43 years, Libby Vering Francis.
He is survived by three daughters, Shannon Simoneau, Erin Francis, and Colleen Francis, and three wonderful granddaughters, Lauren Simoneau, Emma Simoneau, and Libby Francis-Marshal, all of Kansas City, MO. He loved each of them very much. His storytelling and humor will be missed greatly.
Ever an entrepreneur and hard worker, Collin opened and managed several businesses throughout his life. He spent his younger days managing several fast-food restaurants. He and his wife, Libby, started many business ventures including restaurants, a free newspaper, and an antique and furniture refinishing shop. They worked in the shop together for 20 years. With his brother and dear friends, he was able to enjoy his love of the car business, using his salesmanship, charisma, and humor with his customers. In 2004, Collin and Libby retired happily together.
He truly loved music and the nostalgia it evoked. With an endless supply of music and stories, he shared fond memories with all that would listen. He enjoyed making tapes for friends and collected over 50,000 records which he later sold, one by one, on eBay along with post cards, stamps, military medals, and other items collected over the years from auctions and flea markets. In 2011, a year after his beloved wife passed away, he moved to Branson, MO, where he attended hundreds of live shows over nine years.
Collin loved to write poetry and did so almost daily since watching the 1968 Elvis: The Comeback Special. He was also teaching himself to play the guitar and harmonica. He will miss college football games (especially Kansas State University football) and the TV show Survivor.
He will miss his friends and family but looks forward to being reunited with the love of his life, his dear wife Libby. Their favorite quote was "Love is a friendship that has caught on fire." Theirs sure did!
The funeral services for Collin Francis scheduled for Sat. Feb 19 have been postponed due to COVID-19. A future date will be announced.
Memorials are suggested to the Salina Community Theater.
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