Harry Eldon Francis, Jr.
1945 – 2021
Harry Eldon Francis Jr, 76, of Edmond, OK, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2021, after a brief illness. He was born November 16th, 1945, to Harry Eldon Francis and Fay Katherine Francis in Marshall, TX and shortly later moving to Kingfisher, OK. He graduated from Kingfisher High in 1964 and went on to Oklahoma State University ultimately earning a Master’s in Horticulture after serving our country in the Army. Harry married Claudia Meacham in 1968 and moved to Edmond in 1973 having two sons Jason and Matthew.
His first job was with the City of Edmond as the Director of Parks and Recreation where he was a contributor in the development of Lake Arcadia, Hafer Park, LibertyFest and the then Aquatic Center. As a registered landscape architect, he started his own business on the side and ended up doing full time which included drafting and landscape installations at homes and businesses in the metro area. Later, he went to the City of Oklahoma City as a supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department, retiring in 2011.
Outside of fishing, Harry’s true hobby was using his green thumb and handyman skills in his backyard and around the house, creating magazine worthy backyard views. Game nights with the family were also his favorite. And when he flashed that smile, all knew it was over. His greatest joy was his family and being Pappy to three grandchildren and his love for his dog Aggie.
Preceded in death by his parents, Harry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Claudia, son Jason and wife Kim, son Matthew, sisters Mary Swanson and Susan Brantley, grandchildren Tyler and wife Chelsea, Carson and Olivia Francis and numerous extended family members.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation at 25 NE 13th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 18, 2021, with family present to greet friends from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, Oklahoma with a celebration of life at a future date.