Francis Bartley Sr.

Francis Marion Bartley Sr. died on Sunday November 6, 2016 in Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka Kansas. Francis died from complications related to long term health problems.

Francis was born in Hiawatha, Kansas on December 30, 1937. Francis was the last of eleven children born to Glenn C. Bartley and Grace Ellen (Mize) Bartley. In 1955, having graduated from Hiawatha High School, Francis’ mother and his brother Bill enrolled Francis in the Kansas School for Barbering in Wichita, Kansas. Nine months later, after passing Kansas State Barber Boards he relocated to Topeka, Kansas where he began his first career as a barber.

Francis barbered a total of seventeen years working in a total of four different shops. Three shops stand out as highlights in this career. Gay’s Barber and Beauty Shop in East Topeka. While working at Gay’s Francis regularly had lunch at a small café where he met and became infatuated with Janice A. Briggs. Seabrook Barber Shop where he worked with his brother-n-law Bill Williamson and finally Westboro Barber shop where he worked with his brother Bill Bartley.

On September 2, 1958 after having courted Janice A. Briggs, while she was in Nursing School, Francis was married to Janice at First Church of the Nazarene in Topeka, Kansas. Together between September 1959 and September of 1965 they would have four children.

Between 1958 and 2016 Janice and Francis centered their spiritual life in “The Church of the Nazarene” with membership in three different congregations First Church of the Nazarene, Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene and Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene wherein they were charter members.

While Francis was working at Westboro Barber shop his father-n-law, Raymond R. Briggs asked Francis if he would consider becoming a Board Member with him for Topeka Youth for Christ. Francis became a Board member where he served until 1973 when Rusty Rogers, while getting his hair cut, asked Francis to become the associate Director of Topeka Youth for Christ working primarily with Junior High students.

From 1973 until 2005 Francis worked for Topeka Youth for Christ. In this capacity, he was Associate Director for many years and later became Executive Director until his retirement in December of 2005. In his position working for Topeka Youth for Christ Francis, even in the last days of his life reflected, “Sharing the loving gospel of Jesus Christ with Junior High students was a highlight of my life.”

Furthermore, while Francis was working with Topeka Youth for Christ he became very active in the Topeka Fellowship. This Bible study and prayer fellowship host the Kansas Prayer Breakfast in which Francis was a vital part of planning and executing for many years. In 2016 he was recognized by the Topeka Fellowship and Kansas Prayer Breakfast for his outstanding service and commitment.

From 2005 until 2016 Francis and Janice continued to live in Topeka, Kansas and visit extensively with their children and other family. One of the joys Francs discovered in later life was genealogy. Even as he was in the Intensive Care Unit his wife and children have continued his passionate desire to discover and uncover his family connections.

Francis died at 1:35 am on Sunday Morning November 6, 2016—this day did not pass without the recognition that this day was All Saints Day. In Francis’ last few days of life he spent considerable time with his children. He shared openly with them that his one wish is that he would be a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ up to his very last breath.

Francis M. Bartley Sr. is survived by Janice (wife) of Topeka, Kansas; Francis (son) and Lois Bartley of Hugo, Oklahoma; Michelle (daughter) and Steve Tucker of Ft. Collins, Colorado; Melinda (daughter) and Geoffrey Alleyne of Olathe, Kansas; Michael (son) of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Also, surviving Francis are his grandchildren Casey Woodward (Bryan), Francis Bartley III, Alethia Garrett (Kevin), Kelly Meadows (Johnny), Michaela Bartley (Zaq), Sarah Tucker, Janice Alleyne, Joshua Alleyne, Shaun Tucker, Abriana Bartley, Hannah Alleyne. Great Grandchildren Shawna Woodward, Bryan Woodward Jr., Dana Woodward, Titus Woodward and Cailynn Woodward. Isaac Bartley, Alexander Bartley, Great-Great Grandchildren: Shaylynn Woodward, Eileithyia Woodward and Bryan Woodward III.

Francis came into the world among ten brothers and sisters whom he passionately loved and prayed for throughout his life. He is survived by only one of those eleven Horace William (Bill) Bartley (brother).

Services to celebrate the life of Francis M. Bartley Sr. will be held on November 26, 2016 at 10 am. Services will be at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene located at 3501 SW Wanamaker Rd. Topeka, KS 66614.

In lieu of flowers please send your support to one or all of these organizations that Francis Marion Bartley Sr. was committed to during his life.

Topeka Youth for Christ
2714 NW Topeka, Blvd Ste 103
Topeka, Kansas 66617

Topeka Fellowship
P.O. Box 4475
Topeka, Kansas 66604

Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene
3501 SW Wanamaker Rd.
Topeka, KS 66614

Speake's Family Association
1280 Portobello Dr.
San Diego, CA 92124-4126