Donald J Francis

On July 4, 2023 Donnie passed away peacefully at the age of 69 years old. He was the son of D. Lorraine Dana and his late father Joseph S. Francis. He was a proud member of the Penobscot Nation and he worked as a painter and a cook. Donnie also worked for the University of Maine doing student computer data entry and most recently, he worked at the homeless shelter in Bangor.

Donnie was a talented artist, singer, and writer, who loved rock music and the traditional songs of his nation. He was a spiritual man who gained his strength from a rich blend of his traditional spiritual practices and his love of Jesus. He enjoyed spending time on the Penobscot River canoeing, fishing, and picking fiddleheads. He liked to take long trips on his bicycle and enjoyed taking Doodles, his dog, on long rides in the car. He spent many hours researching past famous indigenous leaders and posted them on his website entitled, "Red Cloud Warrior." He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially Peggy Francis.

Donnie is survived by his son Don-Mgeso Francis. He is also survived by siblings on his mother's side: Robert Dana and wife Tonia Dana; Barry Dana and wife Lori Dana; Kelly Demmons and husband Butch Demmons; and Lori Joan Dana. He is also survived by siblings on his father's side: Joe Francis; Bert Francis; Calvin Francis and wife Michelle Francis; Mark Francis and wife Stephanie Francis; Troy Francis and wife Shay Francis; Chris Francis and partner Danielle Dorrie; Dave Francis and wife Kerry Lindahl-Francis; Shirley Garland; Jo-Ann McCurdy and husband Dennis McCurdy; and SharLynn E. McNeely. He is also survived by aunts: Gayle Phillips and husband James McCarthy; and Cheryl Francis; Also, uncles: Chester Dana and wife Joanie Dana; Guy Phillips and wife Kathy Phillips; and Butch Phillips; as well as, many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Services for Donald J. Francis will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Sockalexis Arena, Wabanaki Way, Penobscot nation. The family is invited for a private viewing at 9:45 AM. Friends are invited for a public viewing at 10 AM.

Celebration of Life service will begin at 10:30 AM immediately followed by burial at Lucy Poolaw Cemetery, and then, a potluck luncheon following immediately at the Sockalexis Arena.

You are invited to wear your traditional native attire in honor of Donnie. (optional)