Ivan M. (Bimbo) Francis, a retired steelworker and bartender from Midland, passed away on November 16, 2023 at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden. He had been residing there for the past few weeks.
Ivan was born on February 19, 1935, in Midland to John and Dorothy Francis. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Frances “Fran” Blankenship Francis; his daughter Odette and her husband Chris Shovlin; his granddaughters Kylie Shovlin and Krista Shovlin (Albert Park); his brothers Joseph Francis (Cecelia), Daniel Francis (Karen), Michael Francis (Karen) and Paul Francis (Donna); his sister Darlene Trivelli (Frank); and several nephews and nieces. His sister Paula Francis predeceased him.
Ivan was a proud member of Midland’s Lincoln High School class of 1953, where he played football with the Leopards’ 1952 WPIAL Football Championship team. He later attended North Carolina State University Wolfpack and Geneva College Covenanters to play football before returning to Midland as a bartender at both Muzzy’s and the Wunder Bar.
In accordance with Ivan’s wishes, there will be no visitation during this difficult time. Instead, the family has requested that donations be made in his memory to the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland. Arrangements are being handled by Noll-Schwerha Funeral Home of Midland.
