George Frederick Francis

George Frederick Francis, age 93, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado. He most recently resided in Parker, Colorado. George was born on November 25, 1932, in Manorville, New York, on Long Island, to George Vincent Francis and Dorothy Marie Janssen. He grew up in Center Moriches, New York, where he attended grade school and high school. After graduation, he pursued technical education at a technical school in New York City, choosing hands-on training in lieu of a traditional college path. George proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1951-1955 during the Korean War. He held the rank of Aviation Electronics Technician, Second Class, and was stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; and Chincoteague, Virginia. In recognition of his honorable service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his military service, George began a distinguished technical career. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, he worked for Douglas Corporation as a Nike missile field engineer, contributing to the nation’s early missile defense systems. He later worked in Phoenix, Arizona, for Sperry Flight Systems, where he served as a trainer, sharing his deep technical knowledge with others. After relocating to Alamogordo, New Mexico, George continued his engineering career as a technician, working for Burroughs, TRW, and Docutel. While at Docutel, he played a hands-on role in installing and repairing some of the first ATM machines in his small town and throughout southern New Mexico. For six years, George also owned and operated the Chuck Wagon Restaurant, a small family restaurant that reflected his hardworking, independent spirit. A lifelong learner, George earned his amateur radio license (KA5HIV) in 1979, a pursuit well suited to his love of electronics, precision and communication. A man of deep and unwavering faith, George was a lifelong member of Bethel Baptist Church. His strong Baptist faith guided his values and shaped his life. He was actively involved in his community, serving as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and committee member, roles he took seriously with pride. George was married to Janet Smyer from 1968 to 1991. He is survived by his former wife, Janet Smyer Francis; his children, Jeff Francis and his wife Julia, and Becki Green and her husband Brian Green; and his grandchildren, Joshua, Morgan, Abby, Emily and Zoé, who were the greatest joy of his life. He was the youngest of three children and was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorothy “Dottie” Townsend and Bernice Sandzone. George was known for his strong will and unmistakable personality. He was stubborn, opinionated, and very much “my way or the highway,” yet deeply honest, hardworking, and fiercely loyal to those he loved. Though he kept a small circle of friends, his devotion to his children and grandchildren was the center of his world. He found peace in solitude and in the mountains, loved woodworking, fishing, scuba diving, and reading, and held a lifelong passion for politics and professional baseball—attending many New York Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers games throughout his life. He was a licensed pilot, a devoted dog lover, and especially cherished the two large dogs who shared his later years. Quiet by nature, George had a subtle, charming sense of humor. His nurses adored him for his silliness—unless, of course, he didn’t like them, in which case he made his opinions very clear. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00am in the Chapel at Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery — Chapel Hill, located at 6601 South Colorado Boulevard, Centennial, Colorado 80121. A graveside military service with casket burial will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado. George Frederick Francis lived a life defined by faith, service, intellect, independence, and love for family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.