Roland Wayne Francis, 68, of Hardin, died Saturday, March 11, 2023, at his home.

Roland was born on August 6, 1954, in Independence, the son of Harold Eugene and Mary Frances (Van Dyke) Francis. He was united in marriage to Norma Hubble of Independence on March 1, 1975; she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: his mother, Mary Francis of Richmond; son, Jeremy (Amy) Francis of Liberty; daughter, Kelly (Landon) Hawkins of Hardin; five grandsons: Sam (Kylin) Hawkins, Nate Hawkins, Drew Hawkins, Alex Francis, and Evan Francis; great-grandbaby boy Hawkins due in July; two brothers, David (Judy) Francis of Forsythe and Eric (Lillian) Francis of Riverside; and sister, Lois (Jay) Valero of Twentynine Palms, CA.

He was preceded in death by his father and his granddaughter, Katelyn Elizabeth Hawkins.

Roland was a well-known science teacher and boy scout leader in the area. The family lived in Independence, Norborne, Rural Richmond, Stet, and Hardin. Roland’s 44-year teaching career began in Stet R-XV School, where he taught from 1977-1997. He then taught at Carrollton High School from 1997-2001. He finished his teaching career at Hardin-Central High School from 2001-2023. Roland was very active in Scouting BSA. He was Scoutmaster of Troop 324 for 27 years. He was an Eagle Scout and a lifelong member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say with the responsibility of a Sagamore. Roland’s hobbies and interests included spending time with his family, being outdoors, camping, canoeing, and enjoying nature. He especially enjoyed doing all these activities with his grandsons. Roland also spent a great deal of time investing in and mentoring youth.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Roland Francis Memorial Fund to be used to help children attend scout camp. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Memorial services will be held at 6:30 P.M. on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Hardin-Central High School. A Tribe of Mic-O-Say service first, followed by a traditional memorial service. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. 

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