David Wynne Francis

David Wynne Francis of Carlisle passed away peacefully at home September 16, 2011, following a long and arduous battle with brain cancer, a battle he fought with courage, love, humor and a hefty dose of sarcasm. David will be remembered for his keen intelligence, devilish sense of humor and encyclopedic knowledge of alternative music. He was 47.
David loved practicing law and vigorously embraced a good argument, both in and out of the courtroom. He also enjoyed golf, astronomy, cooking and quaffing a favorite beverage (Sam Adams) with his many friends. But above all, David was devoted to his wife of 18 years, Bobbie Jo, and extraordinarily proud of his two boys, Harry (10) and Andrew (8).
David was born in Colorado Springs, CO on Oct. 24, 1963. A 1981 graduate of Boiling Springs High School, David earned his B.A., cum laude, from Dickinson College in 1985 and his J.D. from Villanova Law School in 1988. He served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 1993, and was one of only a few JAG Corps officers to serve in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, during which he was awarded the Bronze Star. He met his wife, Bobbie Jo Vance, while they were both stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. They were married March 20, 1993.
David was admitted to the American, Pennsylvania and Dauphin County Bar Associations. As a partner in the law firm of Powell, Trachtman and later at Rhoads & Sinon in Harrisburg, David was recognized for his particular expertise in the areas of construction litigation and governmental contracting as well as electric energy matters. He was active in the American Counsel of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania and was widely published on issues involving the construction industry. David served as Special Assistant United States Attorney from 1989 to 1991.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Cathy, his brother Rhys, and his parents, Elsie and Wynne. He is survived by his wife Bobbie Jo; sons Harry and Andrew; brother Steve, his wife Lori and children Kristi and Nicholas; and sister-in-law Lori and children Alex and Bryce.
The family would like to express their thanks to Hospice of Central PA for their comfort and care over the last two and a half years, with special thanks to David's nurse, Bill Stephens, and his many wonderful aides. They also wish to thank his nurses from Christian Companions, Linda Hooper and Debbie Williams, for their extraordinary kindness and compassion. The continued care from David’s physician, Dr. David Kann, is greatly appreciated by his family.
Services will be held at Second Presbyterian Church of Carlisle on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.
Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 North Hanover Street, Carlisle is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Donations in David's memory may be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110, Second Presbyterian Church, 528 Garland Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013, or Project SHARE, 5 North Orange Street, Suite 4, Carlisle, PA 17013.