Edward W. Francis

Edward “Ed” Wayne Francis, 91, of Geneseo, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Allure of Geneseo.  A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Kingswood Church, Geneseo.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., following the visitation at the church. Reverend Dr. Christopher Ritter will officiate. Ed will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel is assisting the family.  Memorials may be directed to Kingswood Church, 302 N. State Street, Geneseo, IL, 61254.

Born on September 29, 1934, in Lyndon, IL, to Jesse and Velma (Willis) Francis, Ed lived a life of dedication to family, service, and hard work. On September 20, 1967, he married the love of his life, Linda Lysell, at a ceremony in Tampico, IL. Their union spanned over 57 years, filled with shared joys and unwavering support. Ed proudly served in the United States Air Force, embodying the values of honor and patriotism. For over 40 years, he worked as a laborer at McLaughlin Body Company in Moline. Ed was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed hunting. He was a member of Kingswood Church (formerly First United Methodist Church), where his faith guided him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Linda Francis of Geneseo; and sister, Velma LaVeda Kaufman of Republic, MO.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Velma Francis; and brother, Everett Eugene “Gene” Francis.