Fredrick Charles Francis, 82, of North Ogden, Utah, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on May 8, 2026.

Fred was born on July 19, 1943, in Wellsville, Utah, to Della N. and Gilbert Francis. He graduated from South Cache High School in Hyrum in 1961 and went on to study at Utah State College and Weber State College. He also completed 1,500 hours of trade school training through Weber State and Hill Air Force Base, specializing in aircraft instruments.

On October 3, 1966, Fred began what would become a distinguished 40-year career at Hill AFB, retiring exactly 40 years later to the day. During the first 20 years of his career, he worked on instruments for the F-4 Phantom jet and B-52 bomber. For the next eight years, he worked as an equipment specialist, managing technical orders and parts for the APQ100, APQ109, and APQ120 Fire Control Radar systems used in the F-4C, D, and E model aircraft. The final twelve years of his career were spent in Foreign Military Sales, where he managed the technical aspects of complete Fire Control Systems on the F-4C, D and E model Aircraft for foreign nations flying the F-4.

One of the memories that sparked Fred’s lifelong love of aviation began when his father’s friend, who served in the Air Force Reserve, flew his F-86 fighter jet out of Hill Air Force Base and buzzed the small town of Wellsville several times overhead. From that moment on, airplanes captured his imagination. He spent countless hours building model airplanes and dreaming of flight, adventure, and the future ahead of him.

Fred enjoyed life at “the ranch,” hunting, fishing, three- and four-wheeling, and snowmobiling. He could never sit still and channeled his energy into countless hobbies, including model airplanes, fly tying, woodworking, photography, and developing his own photos in a darkroom. He also enjoyed customizing fishing rods using thread art weaving techniques, exploring the latest computer gadgets and electronics, 3D printing, and, most recently, laser etching design.

Fred was proud to be a recovering alcoholic whose last drink was on July 29, 1995. To know Fred was to know one of the most authentic people you could ever meet. His love of country was recognizable everywhere he went. He was endlessly curious and loved making thoughtful things for family and friends that reflected their own interests and personalities. He will be remembered for his generosity, creativity, humor, and the genuine way he cared for the people around him.

Fred first married Jackie Freeman of Logan, and together they had two sons, Anthony Francis and Lionel Cory Francis. They later divorced. On June 11, 1971, Fred married the love of his life, Pamala Miller of Ogden. Together they had one daughter, Aimee Francis, and two stepsons, Ricky Strange and Troy Strange.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Della N. Francis; his son, Lionel Cory Francis; and his stepson, Troy Strange.

He is survived by his wife, Pamala Francis; son Anthony (Tony) Francis; stepson Rick Strange; daughter Aimee Francis Spencer; grandchildren Morgan Rose, Paige Lewis, Mandy Francis, Nick Francis, Sunshine Aldridge, and Harley Spencer; and great-grandchildren Violet Rose, Charlotte Rose, Macy Francis, Arwyn Kelly, Kaleb Kelly, and Solstice Aldridge.

Services will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 36th Street, Ogden. All are invited and asked to please take a gift of remembrance. A graveside service will follow on Wednesday, May 20, at 2:00 p.m. at the same location.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com