Francis was born February 8, 1930, in Darke County to the late Franklin P. & Mary Jane (Marchal) McEldowney. In addition to his parents, Francis was also preceded in death by his wife, Helen A. (Voisard) McEldowney on May 27, 2015, whom he married November 23, 1950; sisters, Agnes McEldowney and Mary Gerling; and brothers, Leroy, Arthur and Wilford McEldowney.
Francis is survived by his children, Mike & Judy McEldowney of Tipp City, Phil & Susan McEldowney of Versailles, Diane & John Swallow of Greenville, Doug & Kelly McEldowney of Medina and Deb & Rich Baker of Troy; grandchildren, Betsy & Josh Kraft, Mykal & Angie McEldowney, John McEldowney, Jennifer & Adam Didier, Craig & Nicole Swallow, Jill Swallow, Krista & Matt Folkerth, Tricia McEldowney, Joey & Katie McEldowney, Michelle & Craig Muhlenkamp and Alex Baker & fiancée, Alaina Smith; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Rose Henry and Jenny Voisard; brother-in-law, Royce Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Francis retired in 1992 from BF Goodrich in Troy where he was a toolmaker for 32 years. He was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church in Versailles.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 7, 2019, at St. Denis Catholic Church in Versailles with Rev. Fr. Jim Simons celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Valbert Cemetery in Versailles. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 PM and Monday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Care or the Versailles Area Museum. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
