Travis Funeral Chapel

Erby L. Francis, age 92 of Columbia, Missouri, passed away Friday, April 23, 2010 at the Columbia Manor Care Center in Columbia, Missouri.

Born August 3, 1917 in LaPlata, Missouri, he was the son of Edgar R. and Ada (Newton) Francis. On January 11, 1941 in Queen City, Missouri, he married Mary C. Epperson who preceded him in death on March 26, 2008.

Also preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Hazel Bowen.

Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, Leon and Kathy Francis of New London, Iowa, Roy and Luda Francis of Harrisburg, Missouri and John and Karen Cupp of Columbia, Missouri; one daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Jeffrey Johnson of Columbia, Missouri; one brother, Oral Francis of Kirksville, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Martha Ellen Marsh of Macon, Missouri; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Erby was a graduate of the LaPlata High School. He lived most all of his life in the LaPlata and Atlanta communities where he farmed, worked as a butcher at the Atlanta Processing Plant, and did maintenance work for the LaPlata Senior Housing. Erby and Mary moved to Columbia, Missouri in August 2005 to be near their family. They had the first licensed foster boarding home in the state of Missouri, boarding twelve foster children. He was a member of the LaPlata Christian Church.

A celebration of Erby’s life will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at the LaPlata Christian Church. Officiating will be the Reverend Jeremy Lobdell.

Interment will be in the LaPlata Cemetery, LaPlata, Missouri.

Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church.

Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the LaPlata Christian Church in lieu of flowers. They may be sent to or left at Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., LaPlata, Missouri 63549.