LtCol Bert Robertson Francis, USMC (Ret)

LtCol Bert Robertson Francis, USMC (Ret), 87, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at The Terrace Nursing Home in Berea.

Bert was born on May 31, 1937 in Whitesburg, Kentucky, and was the son of Sabina Francis, who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Whitesburg High School where he was valedictorian of the class of 1955. In high school he studied guitar and was active in Band, Chorus, and Quartet, receiving special honors for athletics and band during his senior year. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Chemical engineering from Purdue University while also completing Marine Corps Officer Training School in Quantico, Virginia. Bert married Arlayne Collins, also a graduate of Whitesburg High School, on May 12, 1963. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. After returning to the US, Bert was asked to remain in the corps as a career officer and was placed in the Marine Officer Recruiting Office in Cincinnati, shortly before being sent to attend graduate school at American University in Washington, D.C. where he received his master’s degree in Operation Research and Management Information Systems. LtCol Francis served as battalion commander at Camp Lejeune, NC, an artillery battalion, before being promoted to Assistant Chief of Staff for the 2nd Marine Division. Bert taught at the University of Virginia and Purdue University. For meritorious service, LtCol Francis was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal on March 21, 1968 and the Bronze Star Medal on February 17, 1972. He retired from the USMC in 1983 and moved to Richmond, Kentucky. After his military career came to a close, he created Lake Retreat Seminars, which provided management seminars for corporate retreats, as well as starting Hunter Real Estate Company.  In retirement, Bert and Arlayne enjoyed spending time with their family and friends in Kentucky and around the world, especially those from their WHS and their Marine Corps Days.

Survivors include: his wife of 62 years, Arlayne Collins Francis; two sons, Gregory Don and Aaron William Francis; one grandson, Malachi Vaughn (Casey); nieces and nephews, Lynn Collins Morris, Mark Collins, Randall Collins, Sandy Peterson, and Nina Dumit (Scott); chosen children, Tracey, Hunter, and Skylar Tague, Addie Webster, and Brianna and Lexie Roberts.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by: his father-in-law and mother-in-law, J. Don and Anna Collins; a sister, Fleta Francis Wright (Hoyt); brother-in-law, Eddie B. Collins (Sue, Tommie); and a nephew, Dennis Wright.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Jessamine County.

Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a thank you and their love to special friends for their support, Sabra Webster, Ron House, and the Marine Corps League.