In 1918, Francis was a carpenter working for his father in Altoona, Pa. The 1930 Census lists Francis as a soil contractor, living in Altoona, Pa., with his wife Ethel and chidren Ceceila R., Mark G. and Robert S. His draft registration in 1942 notes he was living in East Carroll Township, Cambria Co., Pa., employed by the Pa. Railroad, and had a missing left index finger.

Ethel lived in Patton, Pa. In 1920, the Census listed her as a public school teacher while living with her parents in Dean Township.