A much-loved Sandhills cowboy, Richard Leland Francis, passed away on February 19, 2019 at Weston County Health Services, after a lengthy illness. Born in 1935 in south/central Nebraska. Richard grew up, attended school, and cowboy-ed near Broken Bow. His belt buckle reads "In Cattle for Keeps" -- and he was! He ranched in the panhandle of Nebraska near Hay Springs until he moved to his "dream ranch" on Dewey Road in rural Custer County, South Dakota. He is known to have had a particular fondness for Hereford cattle, Arabian horses, Quarter Horses, and draft horses. A strong belief in and love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has guided his actions, spirit, and heart for many years.

Family life was his most fervent love. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ardythe Gabler of Maryland.

He leaves behind his wife, Susan; brother, Beryl Francis (Pat); sister, Jo Schallop (Allen). He will also be sorely missed by his children, RoZan Egan (Ron) of Rupert, Idaho, Richard Francis (Susan) of Gillette, Wyoming, John Francis (Billie Jo) of Newcastle, Patricia Cole (Jason) of Newcastle, and stepson Nasif Iskander (Suzanne) of the San Francisco area; as well as his 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and good friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Church on the Hill, 301 Delaware Ave in Newcastle.  A luncheon will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would much appreciate contributions in his memory to the Elk Mountain School or the Highlands Volunteer Fire Department. These can be sent to Patricia Cole at 119 West Main, Newcastle WY 82701.