Irvin Elwood Francis

On Tuesday, 4-18-23, Irvin Elwood Francis passed away, departing this earth to be with his Lord after suffering a heart attack. He passed away five days before his 92nd birthday. Born on 4-23-31 in Moundsville, West Virginia, he was the last remaining of seven siblings.

Irvin grew up on a farm in West Virginia and lived there with his family. He then served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean war. He went on to attend West Virginia University where he met the love of his life, Carol. After graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and getting married, they traveled the world together and started a family, eventually settling in Southern California (Yorba Linda). Irvin and Carol were married for 50 years, prior to her passing in 2011.

Irvin worked for Hughes Aircraft as an electrical engineer for 33 years. He capped his career by winning the “Test Engineer of the Year” award from Test and Measurement World in 1992.

After retiring, Irvin and his wife Carol did extensive volunteer work. They ministered to the developmentally disabled for years in Placentia. Irvin was part of the initial leadership team for HIS House, also in Placentia. Irvin and Carol both did frequent visitation with shut-ins. They also did many rope-making seminars for churches, youth groups, community events, and Boy Scouts. Irvin was constantly giving, and it may not be possible to recount all his good works over the years. He touched many people, and continued with volunteer work after the passing of his wife, Carol.

Irvin loved to share his experiences, and wrote two books during his retirement:

• “About Dreams and Memories on the Old Farm” (2005) — a collection of true-life short stories about growing up in Appalachia during the Great Depression

• “My Summer Dream, Or Was It?” (2021) — a whimsical short story about animals who must solve a crime and conduct a trial

Irvin loved travel, gardening, animals, music, fishing, and he particularly loved his family and his church. He was very well-known at his home church, Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church, where he remained active until the very end of his life.

Irvin is survived by his two sons, Vernon and John, his daughter in law Marlene, and his two grandchildren, Natalie and Bryan. He leaves behind a legacy of love to all those who knew him. Irvin will be dearly missed, and never forgotten.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorial.com for the Francis family.