Leonard T Francis Jr

On July 28, 2025, Leonard Thomas Francis, Jr., 50, of Lorain, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord after a brief illness.

Leonard, affectionately known as Lee, was born October 25, 1974, and was the first born of Leonard T. Francis, Sr. and Genevia L. Taylor. According to his mom, Lee was a very obedient child…….in the beginning. Like most children, he had a “growing phase.” He asked hard questions when he wanted answers. He was a Campeto kid who spent summers at the “center”. Sometimes he seemed stern on the outside, but truly he was a protector by nature, loyal, funny, and he had a big heart.

Lee attended Clearview Local Schools from elementary school through high school. He played football, sang in the choir and show choir. Interesting fact, in elementary school he received The Palmer Method Handwriting Award. He really did have great handwriting. He graduated in 1993 and attended LCCC.

Lee was employed most recently as a truck driver for Comprehensive Logistics in Avon, Ohio. He really enjoyed being on the road and often posted pictures of scenery and the amazing food places he stopped at while travelling.

He was a member of New Life Deliverance Ministries, MPGT. He attended Sunday School and H.Y.P.U.; he sang in the choir, was a member of the usher board and he played the drums.

He was faithful, he opened the doors, cleaned up, set up tables and swept. He served without a title and never needed any recognition. He loved his church. He loved his family. He supported and attended every family event and if it was a celebration, he always came with a gift.

While working as a truck driver, Lee met a very special lady about 2 years ago named LaKeshia. Just like in the movies, he really had a twinkle in his eyes when he spoke about her. He proposed in March 2025 and the two had plans to marry later this year. Lee received his cancer diagnosis in April 2025. His health did not allow him to receive chemotherapy, but the Lord allowed him to get married on July 18, 2025. After a brief illness, the Lord called him home.

Lee is survived by his wife, Lakeshia A. Francis, his son, Antonio D’Amico, his parents, Leonard (Elaine) Francis of Elyria, OH; Genevia (George) Taylor of Lorain, OH; siblings, Tamara/Tammy (Joseph) Todd of Akron, OH; Charity (Jerome) Todd of Gray Court, SC, Jeremy Francis of Lorain, OH and Steven Francis of Lorain, OH, grandparents, Gaylord T. Francis, and Alberta Francis, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Lee was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Theresa Legard, and paternal grandmother, Mary A. Francis.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Living Word Church located at 2002 E. 28th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44055. Viewing at 10 am. Service begins at 11 am. Bishop Jessie C. Berry, Jr., Pastor of New Life Deliverance Ministries, officiating.