David Lee Francisco, Sr.

David Lee Francisco, Sr., 87 of Salem, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 1, 2026.

He was born on August 8, 1938, in Roanoke County, Va., son of the late Frank Dorse and Virginia Boothe Francisco. David proudly served his country in the United States Army for a period before entering the workforce. He was employed as an Assistant Plant Manager of United Dairy Inc. and upon his retirement, he decided to start his own residential / commercial painting business known as Francisco Painting. He remained in business for 30 plus years prior to his full retirement to enjoy life with his family.

David loved to hunt and fish; however, he found that he enjoyed sharing his love for hunting, boating, and fishing with his children the most. He was also an exceptional harmonica player and an awesome cook with his specialties being pizza and mashed potatoes. We always looked forward to his mashed potatoes during family get togethers. David will be remembered for his generous spirit, his sense of humor, his many reverent prayers, and his love for his family.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his loving wife, Darlene Lyons Francisco; infant daughter, Debra Mae Francisco; son, Ronald Jay Barker; brothers, Willis, Robert, and Earl Francisco; grandson, Dennis Glenn Francisco; great-grandson, Noah Herbert; granddaughter, Laura Elizabeth Barker; and daughter-in-law, Joanie Barker; as well as numerous loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Family remaining to cherish Davids memory include his children, Glenn Cordell Francisco (Patty), Timothy Lee Francisco (Gail), Catherine Ann Hall, David Lee Francisco, Jr. (Lydia), Pamela Ann Lloyd, Amy Marie Hale (Mitch), Linda Wilson (Tim), Jerry Barker (Freda), Darryl Barker, Steve Barker (Susan), and his youngest son and caregiver, Kenneth Lee Francisco; brother, Cecil Francisco (Betty); brother-in-law, Gerald Lyons; sisters-in-law, Regina Talbert and Lassie Wiladean Lindsey; grandchildren, Ashley Nicole, Stephanie Dawn, Katrina (Chris), Christy Dawn (Tracy), Joshua (Erica), Melina (Patrick), Chloe, J.R. (Erica), Jesse (Shelby), Savannah (Andy), Jason, Tim (Maria), Richard Grubb (Maggie), Angie Vaughn (Chris), Matthew Barker (Amber Waltz), Lee Ann Barker (Winston Lewis), Travis Barker, Brian Snider, Casey Davis (Jacob), Jacob Barker, Natalie Wilson (Dawson Yopp), Heath Wilson (Fallon), Katherine Denton, Natalie Denton, Miranda Denton, and Elijah Jude; great-grandchildren, Kirra, Jordon, Nolan, Marissa, Treavor, Braydon, Alaynna, Kinzley, Emberly, Tylor, Tucker, Teagan, Bridget, Desta, Jonathan, Brittney (Dion), Alyssa Grubb, Drake Vaughn (Breyanna), Justin Grubb (Dominica), Elizabeth Barker, Anthony Barker, Jaidan Barker, Aubrey Barker, Amelia Davis, Noah Barker, Beckett Yopp, Emma, "Moose", Penelope, Benjamin, Page, Caroline, Nathan, Taylor, Brooke, Calista, Haleigh, Daniel, Corbin, Logan, Meleah, Ava, Arabella, and Adeleah; great-great-grandchildren, K.J., Dory, Bryson, Jace, and Bentley Vaughn; former spouse and friend, Camilla Bentley; his granddoggy, “Moses”; and special friend, Cecil Snider. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will welcome friends for a period of visitation on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, in Salem. Funeral services will begin directly following, starting at 10:00 a.m., in the funeral homes chapel. Pastors Lynwood Michael “Mikie” Talbert, Jr. and Matt King will officiate.

Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park, also located in Salem.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Francisco family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.