Homer “Dick” Francis, age 87, died on Nov. 24.

He was born Feb. 9, 1914 in Joplin, Missouri, one of seven children.

When he was a baby, his family moved to Montana; he attended Lewiston, Mont. schools.

He began working in auto mechanics as a young man and had a successful career as a mechanic.

From 1943-1946, he served in the Army. When he was finishing his military service, he met his wife Iona; they were married in Seattle in 1946.

The couple moved to Bainbridge Island in 1952. They operated Dick Francis Service on Miller Road for fifteen years. When he retired in 1980, he was working at the creosote plant.

He was an active member of the Eagles’ Aerie No. 1 in Seattle; the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club; and the Eagle Harbor Congregational Church.

He is survived by his wife Iona Francis; a brother, Harry Francis of Cody, Wyoming; a daughter, Bonnie June of Savanna, Georgia; one grandson, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church. Memorial gifts may be made to the Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, Helpline House or other charity.