Michael Douglas Francis

Michael Douglas Francis, Sr, born to Joe Anthony Francis, Sr, and Virginia (Beaver) Francis on December 16, 1949 in Eufaula, Oklahoma and passed away February 8, 2021 in the home at Coalgate, Oklahoma. Michael, along with his siblings, was raised by his aunt and uncle Ben and Henrietta Marshall in rural Eufaula, Oklahoma, famously known as “the Country” by family and friends. His education began at Jones Academy in Hartshorne, Oklahoma where he excelled in sports such as Football, Basketball, and Boxing before earning a welding certification in Dallas, Texas. After his education he married Emma Lou Gibson on April 28, 1968 in Coalgate, Oklahoma and together they had 9 children. His love for sports continued as he continuously watched Oklahoma Sooners football and the New York Yankees baseball team. His other sports endeavors included coaching the Cleveland Mustangs, his son Mark’s eight grade football team, and later coaching the Ada Braves, his family’s co-ed softball team. When he wasn’t coaching he enjoyed watching his family play from the stands where he often shouted unsolicited directions and suggestions. He also enjoyed co-coaching, along with his son Brian, the Wildcats Flag Football team. But what Michael really loved was spending time with his family telling stories, laughing, and listening to music of the 60s, especially Elvis Presley, and The Dave Clark Five, although he listened to all types of music. One of his favorite songs was “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” by country singer George Strait. He was known to being brash but comical; cynical but charming; and serious but silly. He often took the opportunity to make silly faces whenever a camera pointed in his direction. His humor shown through even after diabetes and the stroke overtook him and left him bedridden with one of his last pictures was of his children surrounding him on his bed and holding up their index fingers and he holding up two fingers making everyone present laugh. But as long as he was with his wife and family he was happy. He was a proud member of the Muscogee Creek Nation. Michael is survived by his wife, Emma Lou (Gibson) Francis, of the home. Sons: Mark Francis, Ada, Oklahoma; Brian Stacy Francis and wife Jennifer, Ada, Oklahoma; and Michael Douglas Francis Jr. and Alicia, Coalgate, Oklahoma. Daughters: Cheryl John and Velton, Ada, Oklahoma; Melissa Francis and Gerald, Ada, Oklahoma; Lisa Francis and Curtis, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; Tamara Francis, Coalgate, Oklahoma; and Jessica Francis, Coalgate, Oklahoma. Brother: Jerry Francis, Bixby, Oklahoma. Sisters: Hannah Francis, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Edna Natseway, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Also 29 Grandchildren and 32 Great Grandchildren. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Virginia Francis; Uncle and Aunt: Ben and Henrietta Marshall, Brothers: Joe Francis, Jr and Reno Francis; Sister: Marion Peyketewa; Daughter: Tonia Denise Francis, and Grandson: Matthew Ashton. Pallbearers will be Grandsons: Jacob Francis, Josh Francis, and Ruben Francis. And Cousins: Mitchell Barnett, Russell Barnett, and Rodney Barnett. Honorary Pallbearers will be family and friends.