Erick D. Francis

Erick Daniel “Ed” Francis, 37, of Anthony, KS passed away after a short but courageous battle with cancer at Patterson Health Center on September 18, 2025. Erick was born on January 6, 1988 the first baby in Harper County of the new year, to Jerry and Linda (Mattingly) Francis. 

Erick was born in and remained in Anthony most of his adult life, living for a short time in Wellington, KS. 

As an adolescent, Erick attended Anthony Elementary School and graduated from Chaparral High School with the class of 2006. He excelled in art classes, creating whimsical clay sculptures and building unique furniture pieces in woodshop. Later in life he turned found junk metal into intricate lifelike objects. Erick had a creative eye and a talent that he never fully realized. He excelled as an athlete playing football, basketball and track through junior high and high school. His senior year he went to State competing in the javelin. He also traveled and competed in AAU, throwing the discus and shot put. Through AAU he earned the honor of competing in the national competition in Knoxville, Tennessee. After high school Erick attended Hutchinson Community College where he studied Computer-Aided Design and was part of their track team. 

Erick married Shelley Adelhardt and to their marriage, one son, Andrew Joseph Francis, was born. Drew is the spitting image of his daddy in both looks and personality. Being a dad to Drew was Erick’s greatest accomplishment in life. Drew, he was so proud to be your dad.  

Erick had a wild sense of humor and always had a joke or comeback for every situation. His Woody the Woodpecker and cricket imitations were spot on and recently his family learned he had a great bear impression as well after receiving a special gift from two of his favorite caregivers at Patterson Health Center. Erick also really did not like to lose at the game of Sorry, as a few of his friends can attest to. He enjoyed tinkering on old trucks and cars and always had the most colorful and unique car in the annual demolition derby at the Harper County Fair. He loved the outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing or hunting for arrowheads and fossils.   

Erick’s life wasn’t all happy times and sunshine. For several years, he struggled in deep addiction. As much as those who loved him tried to help him fight his way out, he had to make that decision on his own. It was a battle for him and he pushed a lot of people away because he just couldn’t see his goodness and worth. He was finally able to give his life back to God and break free from the demons holding him back. Thankfully he made that decision and we got a few years of the old Erick back before his cancer diagnosis took him from us. If you’re in the throes of addiction, it’s not too late.  

Erick held several jobs through the years. He worked as a farm hand through high school, served as the assistant manager of Orscheln’s during his time in Wellington and held several other jobs in Anthony as well. His most recent employment prior to his diagnosis was with Pronto Tire in Anthony. After overcoming his struggles with addiction, Pronto gave him a chance at a job and he took that opportunity seriously. Erick was dependable and he earned their respect and trust which gave him back the self-confidence that he had lost during his addiction. Thank you to those who never gave up on him. 

Although his years on earth were short he left a lasting impression on many with his smile, big heart and just the right amount of orneriness. 

Erick is survived by his parents, Jerry and Linda Francis of Anthony; son, Drew Francis and his mother, Shelley, of Harper, sister, Michelle (Brian) Sandon; nephew, Gentry; nieces, Lola and Hattie of Nevada, MO; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends. 

Erick was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Sally Francis and maternal grandparents John and Delores Mattingly. 

Friends may view and sign the register from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony, Kansas.  

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the United Methodist Church in Anthony with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Park Cemetery, Anthony, Kansas. 

Memorials can be made payable to The Drew Francis Educational Fund, Patterson Health Center or Heartland Hospice and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St, Anthony, KS 67003.