Thomas V. Francis, 90, Russia, passed away at 3:07 p.m. Feb. 25, 2013, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Sidney.

He was born Aug. 29, 1922, in Russia, to Felix and Anna Voisard Francis. On Feb. 28, 1946, he married Corrine R. Puthoff in St. Patrick, and she died May 11, 1995.

Surviving are seven children and their spouses, William (Mary Louise Sherman) Francis of Russia, Kathy (Dale) Nichols of Russia, Shirley (James) Shenk of Minster, David (Clarice Novicki) Francis of Troy, Patrick (Susan Diller) Francis of Troy, Renee (Jay) Purpus of Minster, and Bradley (Melissa Raterman) Francis of Russia; 29 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Jeanette (Robert) Scofield of Van Wert; and a sister-in-law, Mary (Leo) Francis of Russia.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, Wilmer (Cora), Delbert (Ruth), Glenn (Melva), Earl (Marie) and Leo, and two sisters, Gertrude (Ora) Armstrong and Freda (James) Daugherty.

He was a member of St. Remy Catholic Church in Russia. He was also a United States Navy Veteran of World War II, serving from 1942 to 1946 with two years in the Southwest Pacific Islands. He was a lifetime charter member of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., charter member of the National World War II Museum, New Orleans, and a member of the United States Navy Memorial Foundation, Washington, D.C.

He was a 1940 graduate of Russia High School and was co-founder of Francis Manufacturing Company in Russia, established in 1946. He served as president of the company until his retirement in 1991. He was co-owner of Superior Aluminum Products in Russia, serving as president from 1966-1993. He was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 661, a life member of Sidney American Legion Post 217, life member and past Grand Knight of St. Remy Council of the Knights of Columbus, past president of the Russia Civic Association, member of Russia Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, served on the board of directors of Bank One, Sidney, for 21 years, served on the board of directors of Community Lanes in Minster, served on the board of trustees at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney, served on board of trustees of the Wilson Hospital Foundation and established the Thomas V. and Corrine R. Francis Family Foundation in 1995.

He was selected as the 2003 recipient of the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce "Zenith Award" for his accomplishments and contributions to the community.

A Mass of Christian burial is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Remy Catholic Church, Fr. Frank Amberger officiating. Burial will follow at St. Remy Cemetery with full military rites.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday, 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-9:45 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Russia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wilson Memorial Hospice Care or to the charity of the donor's choice.