Ivan M. (Bimbo) Francis, a beloved resident of 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 retired steelworker, having 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 and 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.