Darlene K. Francis

Darlene Kathryn Gaspard Francis, age 85, passed away on the evening of Friday, August 7, 2026, at Elwood Health and Living following sudden brief illness. She was born February 8th, 1941, in Washington D.C. , the daughter of Joseph and Alyce Gaspard. Darlene’s father was in the military, so she grew up on the East Coast, California, Hawaii, Guam, and Arkansas. She attended the University of Arkansas earning a Bachelor of Science Education and a Master of Education in Reading. Darlene was a teacher in Arkansas, California, Alaska and Indiana, and truly enjoyed being able to help educate the youth of the world. She was also on the staff of the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and Ivy Tech Anderson. She married the love of her life, Richard Francis, and they shared many years of life and marriage together. Darlene was a devoted member of East Main Christian Church where she was the director of the Noah Ark Preschool for 19 years, and truly cherished her time spent with her church family.

Darlene is survived by her 3 sons, Michael Francis, Daniel Francis, and Kip Francis; 4 grandchildren, Katy Francis, Hannah Francis, Katrina Francis and Kiera Francis. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Francis; both her parents; sister, Dianne Martin; and brother, David Gaspard.

Darlene’s wishes were to be cremated and have no formal services at this time. During WWII, Richard was in Pearl Harbor aboard the New Orleans battleship in dry dock for repairs the day Japan attacked the U.S. It was his wish that he & Darlene’s ashes be scattered in the harbor over the spot where the Arizona lies. Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood is honored to handle Darlene’s services. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com.