Steven “Steve” Michael Francis
04/06/1965 – -01/16/2022
Steven “Steve” Michael Francis, age 56, of Imperial, MO, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at his home following a long, courageous battle with colorectal cancer.
Born in East St. Louis, IL on April 6, 1965, to parents Ronald Lee and the late Heidemarie Ursula Francis (nee Fries). In addition to his dear mother, Steve is preceded in death by father-in-law Warren “Wayne” Evans, infant brother Michael, aunt Alece Francis, grandparents Ira Lee and Pearl Francis and Martha Moskal.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife Joyce of Imperial, MO; step-daughter and son-in-law Hayley and Joey Sorg of St. Louis, MO; mother-in-law Sharon Evans of Fenton, MO; sister Patricia “Patty” Vasques of Belleville, IL; brother Peter “Pete” (Sara) Francis of Smithton, IL; sister-in-law Dawn Evans of Festus, MO; brother-in-law Adam (fiancé Kelly) Evans of Alton, IL; nephews Michael Vasques, Max and Mason Francis, and Ben Pilger; nieces Maren Francis, Amanda Pilger and Emma Hagerty; great-niece Hayley Pilger; and cousin John Sager.
Steve graduated from Belleville East High School in 1983. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Medical Services Specialist. He worked in various medical support positions at Christian Hospital Northeast, St. John’s Mercy, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, St. Louis University Hospital, VA John Cochran Hospital, and the American Red Cross. He was an avid St. Louis Blues and Cardinals fan. He created the St. Louis Blues Hockey History and St. Louis Cardinals Baseball History Facebook pages with 6,900 members and 2,900 members, respectively. In addition to loving his sports and sharing his vast knowledge with the many members of these groups, he loved KSHE Classic Rock music, Busch beer, El Caminos, and being with family and friends, as well as his dog Benny Boo Boo and cats Milo and Stanley. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Visitation: Friday, January 28, 2022 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129
Funeral: Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 11:00 am at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129
Interment: St. Lucas Cemetery, 11735 Denny Rd, St. Louis, MO 63126
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in Steve’s Memory at https://impact.ccalliance.org/fundraiser/3656149
Funeral may be viewed on Facebook Live on the Kutis Funeral Home Facebook Page.
This is my my dear younger Brother. Steve was giving, caring , loving. And very funny. He did not have a sin, But my son, Michael David Vasques is his carbon copy. Steve will live on through Michael. He’s 23 now & we plan to get Blues Tatoos in his honor. Steve was a huge Blues fan. One of the best I’ve ever seen. I’ve been his his sister for 56 years of the moment he was born. I’m already missing my brother. He is with my Mom & his Heidi, Grandpa Ira Lee Francis, Pearl Franis his grandma, Martha Moskal his German grandma and a older brother who didn’t survive infancy.
I love you Steve. I will see you again.
Patty & Michael Vasques
Joyce on behalf of the Tri-State IW Employers Association, Inc. We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. We have missed your presence at the meetings and will look forward to seeing you again. We understand this loss and the emptiness it brings. We pray for you and your family during this time of grief and sorrow. D
We’ve known Steve for numerous years. We got to know each other in a St. Louis Blues’ Facebook group. It was ALWAYS nice to talk sports with him. He had a Passion for his Home Town teams & knew his stuff. He was a TOUGH Guy & NEVER gave up. His sense of humor ALWAYS made me laugh. Gonna miss our sports conversations & Friendship. God Bless, Prayers for the Family & Comfort during a time of healing