Marvin H Francis

Marvin H. Francis passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 21, 2021, following complications from a stroke. He was born on February 23, 1933 in Plentywood, MT to the late Maylon and Vera Francis. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines. Once he completed basic training, he was sent to Paris, France to help guard the Embassy. Thus began his love of travel and his dedication to a life of service to his country. In fact, Marv credited the Marine Corps for making him the man of hard work and integrity which were the guiding forces in his life. After leaving the Marines, Marvin used his G.I. Bill to return to Montana where he completed his B.S. in Physical Science. He then moved to Washington D.C. where he took a job with the USDA. After his wanderlust returned, he applied for and was hired by the U.S. Department of State and was sent to Miami, FL. Once there, he met the love of his life, Charlotte. They married and traveled together all over Latin America with their daughters, Mary and Julie. After his retirement, Marvin continued to serve his country as a contractor for the Department of Defense in Williamsburg, VA working to better this nation until he was nearly 80. He then moved back out west for several years with his second wife, Jinnett, before settling in Alabama for a while. The last year of his life he returned to Williamsburg to be closer to his beloved granddaughters, Sophie and Charlotte Lake. He remained active and independent until his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vera and Maylon and his wife, Charlotte. Additionally, he recently lost his best friend of over 50 years, Bill Duffy. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Hanson and her husband Tom of Purcellville, VA; his daughter, Julie Lake, her husband Woody and their daughters, Sophie and Charlotte; as well as many adoring nieces and nephews from across the country. A private burial is planned for the immediate family and a celebration of life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185 (www.heritagehumane.org) or Williamsburg House of Mercy, 10 Harrison Ave., Williamsburg, VA 23185 (www.houseofmercyva.org) if you are able. Online condolences for the family may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.