Ivan M. (Bimbo) Francis: Your Go-To Source for Breaking News, Sports Updates, and Job Openings

Ivan M. Francis, a retired steelworker and beloved resident of Midland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden where he had been staying for the past few weeks. Born in Midland on Feb. 19, 1935, to the late John and Dorothy Francis, Ivan is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Frances “Fran” Blankenship Francis, as well as his daughter Odette and her husband Chris Shovlin and granddaughters Kylie Shovlin and Krista Shovlin (Albert Park).

Ivan also leaves behind his brothers Joseph Francis, Daniel Francis, Michael Francis and Paul Francis, sister Darlene Trivelli and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister Paula Francis.

Throughout his life, Ivan worked in the Billet and Blooming mills at Colt Industries’ Crucible Steel Company of America plant in Midland and was also a bartender at both Muzzy’s and the Wunder Bar in the area.

Ivan was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School in Midland where he played football for the Leopards’ 1952 WPIAL Football Championship team. He was later inducted into the Midland Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 along with his high school teammates. Ivan also attended North Carolina State University Wolfpack and Geneva College Covenanters to play football.

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