Ivan M. (Bimbo) Francis of Midland passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden where he had resided for the past few weeks. He was born in Midland on Feb. 19, 1935, to the late John and Dorothy Francis.
Survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Frances “Fran” Blankenship Francis, Ivan is also survived by his daughter Odette and her husband Chris Shovlin, his granddaughters Kylie Shovlin and Krista Shovlin (Albert Park), his brothers Joseph Francis, Daniel Francis, Michael Francis, and Paul Francis, his sister Darlene Trivelli, and several nephews and nieces. Ivan was predeceased by his sister Paula Francis.
A retired steelworker, Ivan worked in the Billet and Blooming mills at Colt Industries’ Crucible Steel Company of America plant. He was also a bartender at both Muzzy’s and the Wunder Bar in Midland.
Ivan was a 1953 graduate of Midland’s Lincoln High School, where he was a member of the Leopards’ 1952 WPIAL Football Championship team. He and his high school teammates were inducted into the Midland Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. Ivan also attended and played football for the North Carolina State University Wolfpack and the Geneva College Covenanters.
In accordance with Bim’s and Fran’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Donations in Ivan’s memory may be made to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland.
Arrangements are being handled by the Noll-Schwerha Funeral Home of Midland. 11/21/23