Maynard E. Francis, 98, of Troy, went home to be in the arms of his Lord Jesus on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Ohio Hospice of Miami County.  He was born in Troy, Ohio on May 29, 1926, to the late Marvin G. and Addie Marie (Ford) Francis.  He married Alfrieda L. Pour at St. Patrick Catholic Church on April 3, 1948, a marriage spanning nearly 77 years, and she survives.

Survivors include his four daughters, Marcia Niswonger, Piqua, Rita (David) Cromes, Alabaster, Alabama, Mary (Randy) Giesseman, Troy, Susie Barhorst, Troy, and his brother, Lester (Lennett) Francis of Casstown.  Maynard is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Galen Francis and Marvin ("Junior") Francis, and his son-in-law, Gary Niswonger.

Mr. Francis was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.  He proudly served in the US Army during WWII in France and Germany.  Upon discharge from the service, he and Alfrieda bought a farm in Ashley, Ohio, but eventually returned to Troy to begin his career as a finish carpenter.  He turned that skill into a rental business remodeling many homes and apartments in the City of Troy over a span of more than 40 years.

In his later years his daughter, Rita, taught him in the art of stained glass.  He was well known in Miami, Shelby and even Montgomery County for his quality work in that art form. Many people have his cherished designs of lamps, windows, benches and sun catcher window art in their homes.  His was a work ethic beyond compare that drove him to such accomplishments.

Maynard never saw a challenge he couldn't overcome. The family sincerely appreciates the care and compassion shown to him by the care team at Ohio Hospice of Miami County in fighting this, his last and greatest challenge.

His daughters all say "God bless you Daddy for showing us what an amazing Christian character looks like.  You are loved and cherished!".

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Troy, with Rev. Fr. Eric Bowman as the Celebrant at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Troy. The family will greet friends prior to the Mass from 9:15 AM – 10: 15 AM at the entrance of the Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Maynard's preferred charity, St. Jude's Children Hospital, or to Ohio's Hospice of Miami County.

Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials Processing
501 St Jude PL, Memphis TN 38105-9959

Ohio's Hospice of Miami County
3230 N. County Road 25A, Troy OH 45373
Web: https://hospiceofmiamicounty.org