MILFORD - Earl C. Francis, 73, of Milford, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (Johnson) Francis; brothers, John, Russell and Stanley. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathryn; brother, Robert and his wife Mary Jane and a sister-in-law Lu; three daughters and their spouses, Kathy and Brian Lessard of Dover, Terri, and Anthony Pool of Dover and Karen and Richard Jefferson of Milford; ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Earl cherished family and friends. He was an active member of St. John's Catholic Church in Milford and a Founding Board member for Saint Thomas More Prep. He received the Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli Community Service Award in recognition of his community spirit and support of Saint Thomas More Academy. His hobbies included hunting and fishing, traveling with his family and cheering on his favorite teams. Earl was a proud alumni of Archmere Academy where he was inducted in their sports Hall of Fame. He graduated from College of the Holy Cross with a Master's Degree in Chemistry. He retired as Director of Operations from the L. D. Caulk Company in Milford. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Avenue, Milford. Friends may call on Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Avenue, Milford. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. at Old Bohemia Cemetery, Warwick, Md. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Community Foundation, St. Thomas More Academy Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1636, Wilmington, DE 19899.