Robert M. Francis 98 of Urbana formerly of Joliet, IL died at 6:27 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2016 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2016at Maplewood Cemetery, New Lenox, Rev. Matthew Krings will officiate. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, IL is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Francis was born on July 24, 1918 in Joliet, the son of George Harlow and Florence Louise Storm Francis. He married Marie Landes Beverage of Waynesboro, VA. She died in October 1986.

Survivors include two daughters; JoEllen (Eric Schaffer) Francis of Monticello, Laura Hollister of Urbana, one grandchild, Sally Marie Jackson (Charles Jackson) of New Zealand and two great grandchildren, Matthew and Silvia Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his brother; George Lyman Francis, his sister; Mary Jane Sweet, and two infant daughters.

Mr. Francis was a U.S. Army veteran, Staff Sergeant, of WW II and a Bronze Star recipient. He served with the 265th Engineering Combat Battalion in France, Germany and Austria.

He attended Joliet Junior College and Armour Institute of Technology, Chicago.

Mr. Francis was an electrical engineer serving with consulting firms in Joliet, Cedar Rapids, IA, Peoria, Urbana and Bloomington, IL. He was a partner and vice president of Buchanan, Bellows Associates of Bloomington before retiring in 1983. He was a member of the Society of Professional Engineers, the Illuminating Engineering Society, and the Chicago Lighting Club. He won a lighting fixture design award in a competition held in NY while employed with the Public Service Co. of Northern IL early in his career.

He was a member of Richards Street Methodist Church, Joliet.

Mr. Francis was also a member and past president of American Legion Post 1284, Joliet, where he played French horn in the national championship band (Harwood Post). He was also a member of the Joliet Elks Club and the Exchange Clubs of Joliet, Cedar Rapids, Peoria and Champaign.

Robert will always be remembered for his quick wit, intelligence, kindness and generosity.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Carle Hospital medical staff and Carle Hospice for their professional and compassionate care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Joliet American Legion Band, PO Box 2371, Joliet, IL 60434, or Carle Hospice services.

Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel.com.