Obituary of Randy Francis
Randy Francis, 68, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on February 11, 2024. He was born on August 10, 1955, to Joe Francis and Sue Wingfield Francis in Tulsa.
During Randy’s colorful life, he made lots of good friends who shared adventures and antics; some are occasionally recounted even today. Those special relationships and good times made for a lively life path that he enjoyed throughout.
After graduating from Edison High School in 1973, Randy attended Oklahoma University for 3 semesters. His next semester was completed on a student ship, S.S. Universe Campus, as it circumnavigated the world in the Spring of 1975. When at sea, Randy took colleges courses; when in the dozen ports, he explored parts of Africa, India and the Far East. From his glimpses in these diverse cultures, he gained new perspective of the world outside of Oklahoma. After disembarking from the ship in Los Angeles, Randy took an impulsive side-trip up the coast to San Francisco. As a result, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco in 1977.
Upon returning to his hometown, Randy set about following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him to study law. He finished a degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law in May 1982; he became a member of the Oklahoma Bar in May 1983. He practiced law initially in his father’s firm: Francis & Francis.
During his Semester at Sea, Randy met a fellow student traveler, Martha (Marty) Machledt. Ten years later - almost to the date of their departure - they married, on February 2, 1985. Of that marriage, two sons were born: Barrett and Nicholas Francis.
To his sons’ delight, their dad played nightly rounds of “rough-rough” rolling on the floor with Barrett and Nick until all were breathless and laughing. Around the dinner table at home, they frequently discussed activities and exchanged ideas. Randy encouraged them in their education, and didn’t miss a Jenks youth football game when either son took the field - ever! During their youth, Randy taught his boys important life skills, including but not limited to, riding bikes and dirt bikes, driving boats and cars, the use of tools to fix and create things, how to swim, ski lakes and mountains, and similar useful knowledge. Together, they enjoyed endless weekends with family and good friends at Grand Lake, never tiring of Duck Creek, Dripping Springs, long holiday weekends, in their trusty old boat, the Albatross.
It is with great sadness to many that Randy’s exuberant and full life has come to an end. “Randy” stories will no doubt be told at the Celebration of Life 3:00 P.M. Friday, February 23 at Ninde Brookside Chapel.
Ninde Funeral | Mosaic Memorial Cremation (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com