Gaylord T. Francis, affectionately known as "Skeets" went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 following a long illness.

Skeets was truly a giant of a man---devoted father to nine children: Leonard (Elaine) Francis, Elyria; Jeffery (Denise) Francis, Sacramento; Pamela (Kenneth) Merchant, Lorain; Michelle (Jeff) Burke, Elyria; Ronald (Mariella) Lancaster, Lorain; Maureen (Mark) Davison, Moreno Valley, California; Anita (LC) Grissom, Chesapeake, Virginia; and Nadine (Michael) Gilbert, Lorain. Skeets was also a proud grandfather and great grandfather. He lived a full and purposeful life, marked by service, faith and deep love for his family.

After serving in the military, Skeets pursued several career paths before discovering his true passion as a Funeral Escort, He found great joy in this work, especially because it allowed him to ride his beloved motorcycle. Dedicated to his calling, Skeets continued working until the age of 90, retiring only reluctantly due to health concerns.

A man of strong faith, Skeets was deeply religious and raised his children in the church, instilling in them values that guided his own life. He was the first of ten children born to Cyrus and Jennie (Wheeler) Francis.

Skeets is survived by seven siblings: Marilyn (Fred) Owens, Chicago; Rosetta Montgomery, Lorain; Gilbert (Stella) Francis, Lorain; Gordon (Delores) Francis, Calif.; Beatrice (Albert) Smith, Akron; Juanita Francis-Mastin, Lorain; Glenn (Terri), Lorain, and Alberta Francis, first wife.

Homegoing services will be held at New Life Deliverance Ministries, 400 Washington Avenue, Lorain, Ohio where the family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of services at 11:00AM on Saturday January 3, 2025. Burial will be at New Russia Township Cemetery where VFW Post 9871 will provide full military honors. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home of Elyria (440)322-4626. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com