Thomas Cary Francis

Lifelong Connersville resident, Thomas Cary Francis, 87, died Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Reid Health in Richmond.

The son of the late Fredrick J. Francis and Helen E. Thomas Fischesser, Tom was born on April 11, 1938. At the young age of sixteen, Tom earned his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. He attended Connersville High School and then graduated from Harrisburg High School with the class of 1956. Tom enlisted in the United States Navy in December of 1957, where he attended the U.S. Navy Aviation Academy earning the rank of 2nd class petty officer. Tom proudly served his country as an aviation electronic technician until his honorable discharge in June of 1962. Tom married his love, the former Ann Crawford, on August 3, 1963. He was secretary and co-owner with his grandfather of Metal Plating Corp. He also founded Haul Away, a commercial trash and recycling company which he subsequentially sold in 1977. Tom was later employed with Herdrich Petroleum as an oil truck driver for twenty-two years prior to his retirement in 2000. Tom was an active member of First United Methodist Church. In addition, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and York Rite, Connersville Jaycees where he was voted Key Man of The Year, a member of the Antique Wooden Boat Society, Chamber of Commerce, United Fund, a life member, past secretary for many years, and Exalted Ruler of the Elks, past commander of U.S. Power Squadron, and was published in the 1967 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America. Tom’s true passions were planes, trains, automobiles, and boats. He was an avid pilot and boater who greatly enjoyed classic cars and the Indy 500. Tom was a loving husband and an incredible father who was always present at activities for his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who know and love him.

In addition to his wife of sixty-two years, Ann, Tom is survived by his son: Skip Francis, of Albany, New York; daughter: Kathy Anderson and her husband Mike, of Clarkston, Michigan; half-brother: Doug H. Fischesser and his wife Becky; grandchildren: Max, Jack, and Bo Anderson, Julia Ann Francis; brother-in-law: Eric Hines and his wife Bev; nephew: Brad Hines and Mary Beth; niece: Beth Hines and Sandy.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Helen.

The funeral service for Tom will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with pastor Don Zalty officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery. Family and friends may gather at the church from 1:00p.m., until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or the Fayette County Foundation - The Brenda & Hilton Henry Fund in Tom’s honor. Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, Connersville has been entrusted with his arrangements.