Duane John 'Sonny' Francis, 88

Duane John "Sonny" Francis, 88, of Columbia Falls, passed away May 28, 2025, at Logan Health Hospital after a short illness. 

He was born on July 17, 1936, in Sidney, the son of Howard Francis and Lucille Brown Francis. He was the second of six children and the only boy. He married the love of his life, Mary Ann Francis July 18, 1958. They were blessed with two children—a daughter, Robin, followed by a son, Douglas. 

Sonny started working young in life and held a multitude of job,s including farming, Plum Creek and the Anaconda Aluminum Plant. He settled into construction and traveled the state working on different projects, including building the Libby Dam. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Sonny retired in 1997 when the physicality of road work became too much. He patiently waited for Mary Ann to retire a few years later and they became snowbirds. After Las Vegas proved too crazy, they settled into wintering in Mesa, Arizona, and coming back to Columbia Falls in the summer. 

He was an avid golfer and shared that love with his son. He was especially proud of his "hole in one" that he got while playing with Doug. He also enjoyed bowling, playing poker and keno, and watching sports, especially Wildcat football and basketball. He was a Griz fan and won a fair amount of money from his granddaughter betting on Cat/Griz games throughout the 80s and 90s. She was finally able to even the score recently. After Mary Ann passed in 2009, Sonny returned to live in Montana, splitting his time between Bozeman and Columbia Falls. With the help of several wonderful friends and neighbors, he was able to stay in Columbia Falls the last few years of his life, which he was grateful for. 

Sonny is survived by his children, Robin and Doug (wife, Paulette); granddaughter, Shawna (Dustin) Matosich and Sarah Rieger; great-grandchildren, Sheyanne (Jacob) Morris and Gavin; sisters, Barbara Carranza and Marlene Richardson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; parents, Howard and Lucille; sisters, Betty Shenk, Marjorie Baxter and Arline Francis; as well as numerous brothers and sisters in law. 

Visitation will occur at Columbia Mortuary Tuesday, June 3, at 11 a.m. With services to follow at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest beside Mary Ann at Woodlawn Cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit www.columbiamortuary.com. Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.