Ivan M. Francis: Latest News, Sports Updates, and Job Opportunities

Ivan M. Francis, a beloved member of the Midland community, passed away on November 16, 2023 at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden. He had been residing there for the past few weeks.

Born on February 19, 1935, in Midland to John and Dorothy Francis, Ivan was a retired steelworker who had worked in the Billet and Blooming mills at Colt Industries’ Crucible Steel Company of America plant. He was also a bartender at both Muzzy’s and the Wunder Bar in Midland.

Ivan was a proud graduate of Midland’s Lincoln High School in 1953 and a member of the Leopards’ 1952 WPIAL Football Championship team. He and his high school teammates were inducted into the Midland Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. Ivan also attended and played football for North Carolina State University Wolfpack and Geneva College Covenanters.

Ivan is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Frances “Fran” Blankenship Francis; his daughter Odette and her husband Chris Shovlin; his granddaughters Kylie Shovlin and Krista Shovlin (Albert Park); his brothers Joseph Francis (Cecelia), Daniel Francis (Karen), Michael Francis (Karen) and Paul Francis (Donna); his sister Darlene Trivelli (Frank); several nephews and nieces; as well as his sister Paula Francis who predeceased him.

In accordance with Bim’s and Fran’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Donations in Ivan’s memory may be made to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland. Arrangements are being handled by the Noll-Schwerha Funeral Home of Midland.