Collin John Francis was born on September 6, 1948, at St. John’s Hospital in Salina, Kansas. He passed away, surrounded by family, on February 14, 2022, from complications of pneumonia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vike and Yvonne Francis; two brothers, Trey and Sean Francis; and his lovely wife of 43 years, Libby Vering Francis. He is survived by three daughters, Shannon Simoneau, Erin Francis, and Colleen Francis, and three wonderful granddaughters, Lauren Simoneau, Emma Simoneau, and Libby Francis-Marshal, all of Kansas City, MO. He loved each of them very much. His storytelling and humor will be missed greatly.

Ever an entrepreneur and hard worker, Collin opened and managed several businesses throughout his life. He spent his younger days managing several fast-food restaurants. He and his wife, Libby, started many business ventures including restaurants, a free newspaper, and an antique and furniture refinishing shop. They worked in the shop together for 20 years. With his brother and dear friends, he was able to enjoy his love of the car business, using his salesmanship, charisma, and humor with his customers. In 2004, Collin and Libby retired happily together.

He truly loved music and the nostalgia it evoked. With an endless supply of music and stories, he shared fond memories with all that would listen. He enjoyed making tapes for friends and collected over 50,000 records which he later sold, one by one, on eBay along with post cards, stamps, military medals, and other items collected over the years from auctions and flea markets. In 2011, a year after his beloved wife passed away, he moved to Branson, MO, where he attended hundreds of live shows over nine years.

Collin loved to write poetry and did so almost daily since watching the 1968 Elvis: The Comeback Special. He was also teaching himself to play the guitar and harmonica. He will miss college football games (especially Kansas State University football) and the TV show Survivor.

He will miss his friends and family but looks forward to being reunited with the love of his life, his dear wife, Libby. Their favorite quote was “Love is a friendship that has caught on fire.” Theirs sure did!

Visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Ryan Mortuary, Salina, on Friday, February 18, 2022. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be from 6-7 p.m. that evening. During this time friends and family are welcome to share meaningful memories and stories about Collin’s unique personality and the joy he brought to their lives.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina. Burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials are suggested to the Salina Community Theater.