Clarence H. "Rip" Francis

Clarence H. “Rip” Francis  “beloved husband, father and grandfather”

COUDERSPORT, Pa.---Clarence H. “Rip” Francis, 91, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

Born on August 22, 1926 in Coudersport, he was a son of Harold D. and Irene Rastu Francis.  On May 21, 1949 in Coudersport, he married Madelyn J. McNulty, who survives.

Rip was a graduate of Coudersport High School.  He was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the Pacific Theatre, special troops, 8th Army, during World War II.

He retired from Joyce Western Pipeline Construction Company in Andover, N.Y., where he was employed as an accountant.  For years, Rip prepared income taxes for many area residents.

Rip was a member of Park United Methodist Church in Coudersport where he long served as treasurer. He was a member of the Coudersport American Legion Post 192, a life member of the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association where he served as treasurer for many years, a member of Eulalia Lodge No. 342 F. & A.M., Coudersport, a member of the Coudersport Consistory where he participated in the Reunions, and a member of the Coudersport Golf Club.  He was an avid golfer, who excelled at the game of golf.  He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He was the third generation to live in the family home in Coudersport. His greatest love was his family.

Surviving besides his beloved wife of 69 years are four children, Kay (Michael) Bender of Sanford, Maine, Lynn Klimek of Newfield, N.Y., Gary (Russina) Francis of Coudersport, and Lori (Norman) King of New Tripoli; ten grandchildren, Chad, Tina, Erin, Neal, Leslie, Joshua, Danielle, Angela, Brenna, and Lindsey; seven great-grandchildren, Dakota, Callan, Torin, Wyatt, Waylon, Cody and Verity; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Rip was predeceased by two brothers, John and Sherman; and two sisters, Katharine and Marjorie.

Friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Park United Methodist Church, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 1pm with the Rev. Scott Ogden, pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in Raymond Cemetery, Gold.

Members of Eulalia Lodge No. 342 will conduct a Masonic service at 12:45pm on Saturday at the church.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Park United Methodist Church, 15 East Third Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Rip’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse. To express condolences or share a fond memory of Rip, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com