Darrel John Francis

Francis, Darrel John, was born May 19, 1943 to Lyndon Celestine Francis and Mary Teresa Barhorst Francis in Dayton, Ohio.
He attended St. Rita Elementary School, Chaminade High School and Miami Jacobs College.
At age 15 he started in the family business SREPCO, an electronics distribution company. Later he had his own rep company, Preferred Marketing, and later years, worked at Charles V. Clark Company, and with his wife at Mercury Service. Darrel was also the owner of The Upper Krust Restaurant at Far Hills Ave. and Whipp Road.
Darrel did service with the National Guard. He was a member of Knights of Columbus and enjoyed their bowling team for many years. He was a "family first" person and enjoyed his time at the family retreat in Cedarville, MI. He was an avid golfer, member of NCR Country Club, and an avid UD Basketball fan. Darrel enjoyed boating, and golf at his home in TN on Norris Lake. Darrel also loved to be at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI, and to visit Russia, OH. Darrel was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Darrel was a "people person," who loved and embraced everyone and was always reaching out to help friends or those less fortunate.
Darrel is survived by his wife of fourteen years, Judith Bowers Francis.
Daughters: Shelley Sloan (Robert) and Colette Tomlinson (Steven). Grandchildren, Steven Tomlinson, Daniel Leonard, Hanna Tomlinson, Kendall Leonard, and Matthew Tomlinson
Sisters: Barbara Francis Upthegrove (Charles) and Sonja Francis Ralph (James).
Brother: David Francis (Louise).
Nieces: Cheryl Bramlet, Kim Upthegrove, Ann Upthegrove-Vore, Teresa Upthegrove, Kelli Brown, March Ferguson, Angela Wolf, Natalie Combs, Ashley Michalos, Lauen Michalos, and Olivia Francis.
Nephews: Kyle Upthegrove, Chris Upthegrove, Steven McCormack.
Step Sons: Michael Bowers (Michelle) and Gregory J. Bowers.
Step Grandchildren: Gregory A. Bowers and Kimberly E. Bowers.
18 Grandnieces & nephews, and cat, Gus.
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, brother, George Francis and his sister Charlene Francis McCormack. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00am Wednesday at St. Joseph Church in Dayton. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4-7pm at The Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Road in Kettering.
Memorial donations may be made on Darrel's behalf to St. Joseph's Church, 411 E. Second Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402