Joseph Emanuel Francis of Bushnell, Illinois, died at the age of 91 on March 11, 2023 at The Oaks Manor in Oakland, IL.  He was born in Canton, Illinois to Grace L. (Custer) and Ray Francis.  He married Mary A. Havens on June 20, 1952 in China Lake, California.  They were married for 69 years.

Joe served his country in the army during the Korean Conflict.  He worked as an electronic technician and later an engineer on our country's missile defense systems.  He also worked for Sperry Rand Corp. and UNIVAC.  Changing career direction, he managed Lake Wildwood Haven near Bushnell.  His career also included teaching the electronic technician program at Spoon River College in Canton, IL for many years.

Joe loved fishing and spending time working on his farm.  He loved old Western movies and reading Western novels.  He was quite the handyman, being able to fix most anything.  Buying, restoring, and flipping houses took up much of his "retirement" time.

Joe is survived by his daughters, Marijo (Eric) Eisbrenner, Rhonda (Steven) VanSpeybroeck, Cheryl (Greg) Speer, Lisa Francis VanNatta; 3 siblings, Alric (Roberta) Miller, James Miller, and Daisy (Lloyd) Corbett;13 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins across this country from California to Maine.  "Papa Joe" will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; daughter, Melanie Francis; five siblings, Bettie Isonhart, William, Robert, and Ray Francis, and Rosie Bristow; and son-in-law, David VanNatta.

Private Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023 in Prairie City Cemetery, Prairie City, Illinois.  Shrader Funeral Home, 204 N. Locust Street, Arcola, is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers or trees we would appreciate Memorials made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hilligossshraderfh.com.