Robert Wayne Francis

Robert Wayne Francis, 88, of South Ogden, Utah, passed away on April 4, 2024. He was born on January 17, 1936, to Neil G. Francis and Amber Christoffersen in Ogden, UT. After Robert graduated from Ogden High School, he went onto work for the Union Pacific Railroad. His career as a “railroader” lasted 42 years. 

Robert married Colleen Fife in the Salt Lake Temple in 1955; they have four children, Kevin (Kathy) Francis, Vickie (Darwin) Smith, Jeanine (Rene) Orosco, and Wynette (Russell) Higley. Over the years, their family grew to include 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. 

He enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family at Henry’s Lake fishing, camping, and four-wheeling. He carefully captured many memories with a camcorder, leaving a lasting visual legacy for his loved ones. 

Robert was a jovial jokester, a hot-sauce connoisseur, and an action-movie aficionado. He was an early adopter of technology and spent many hours building impressive surround-sound systems from which he blared the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and his favorite Broadway tracks. Robert systemized everything; from keeping copious notes on every film watched to cataloging bits and bobs in the garage, he ordered disorder. But underneath the meticulous record keeping was a soft-hearted man who delighted in Christmas and sharing holidays with his family; like a big kid, his generous spirit and endless enthusiasm made for effervescent events. The continuous glint of mischief and wonder in his blue eyes will be missed most by his family and those who knew him best. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Amber Francis and siblings, Shirley Singley, Gene Francis, and Don Francis.

The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers at South Ogden Post Acute. 

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.