Obituary of Harold Paul Francis

Harold Paul Harold Francis (1934  - 2023)

Paul was born in Chicago Illinois in 1934, where he was raised by George and Mabel Francis.  He spent time growing up in Illinois, Iowa, and California before his family eventually settled in Colorado. Shortly after highschool he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean Conflict in 1953. Paul served as a Military policeman while stationed in Japan until 1955. He was awarded the National Service Defense Ribbon and The Good Conduct Medal during his service. During his time in Japan he also was a lifeguard and swim instructor who taught lessons to the local children. 

After his time spent in Japan he developed an interest in handball, he would go on to compete in the eventually winning the Colorado State Championship for singles in 1957. As well as taking second place for doubles in 1962.  Paul spent a lot of time with the YMCA in both Estes Park and Grand lake, where he also found joy in lots of various recreational sports. He even took up learning the art of trapeze, for those of you who knew Paul you would know these were some of his favorite stories to share. 

He met his wife, Ellaline Lauten to whom he would marry on October 28th, 1966 and would go on to spend the rest of his life. Three short years later in 1969 they would have their son, followed by their daughter in 1971. Beginning in 1998, and again in 2005 and 2009 both of his children gave him the opportunity to be a grandfather, where he would take on the title of Papa. Before his passing he even had the opportunity to earn the title of great grandfather in 2023.

Paul spent his years following various career paths, including personal security for some time.. But in 1974 he joined RTD as a bus driver. He would spend the remainder of his working career with RTD before retiring  in 1999. In his retirement he spent time teaching driving instruction, where he surely taught many kids  in the community how to drive over the years. All through this time he collected model cars, a collection that he would take pride in for his entire life. 

Those who had the privilege to know Paul, know that he was a friend to everyone. Whether it was a coworker, neighbor, local bartender or one of the many others he met along the way. He never hesitated to call them a friend and treat them as such. Beyond being a genuinely kind man, we remember Paul as a lifelong Broncos fan, being sure to work every Broncos game that he could not attend so he could still see his team play. He loved attending all live sporting events and made sure to make his yearly pilgrimage to the stock show. 

d by his wife, Ellaline and children Christopher Francis and Heather Pieper. As well as his grandchildren Emily and Cameron Pieper, Cheney Francis Meir and great grandson Milo Meir. 

His service will be held on February 9th, at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 12:30pm with full military honors.