Site search

Batavia - LaVerne E. "Turk" Francis, age 87, of Batavia, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Turk was born May 8, 1932, in Cuba, son of the late Norman Francis, Sr. and the late Marjorie Banker Francis.

A member of the Genesee Country Church, Turk faithfully served as a greeter of the church and as head usher for over 30 years. He enjoyed traveling with Nancy, was proud of his antique tractor collection and loved to wash and detail his car. He proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Manhardt Francis. The two were married August 23, 1952. Also surviving are his daughter, Lynda (Daniel) Lyons of Oakfield; three grandchildren, Jessica (late Derrick) Baity of New York City, Colleen (Paul) Kowtun of North Tonawanda and Kyle Lyons of Oakfield; three great-grandchildren, Elijiah Jones, Mason Baity and Parker Kowtun; three sisters-in-law, Elaine Francis of South Carolina, Irene Francis of Texas and Barb (late Dave) Conn of East Bethany along with several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Sharon L. Francis who passed away on August 31, 2009 and his brothers, Herbert Francis, Norman Francis, Jr., Walter Francis and Melvin Francis.

Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street Road, Oakfield, where funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Turk's name to the Al Sigl Foundation, Inc., 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 300, Rochester, New York 14620 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607. He will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia.

Ha​rold E. Knapp, 85, of Lyndonville NY went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, April 10th, 2023 at his home. Born on November 30 th,1937 in Syracuse NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Rose (Hildreth) Knapp.

Harold moved and attended Attica Central School, and was later employed at General Electric / Black and Decker until they closed. He then went to work at Genesee Community College in the maintenance department. He enjoyed raising and breeding poultry for exhibition, where he showed with-in NYS and beyond. He worked with the youths of 4H for 2-1/2 decades sharing his passion of poultry and showmanship. When not doing 4H shows, you could find him spending time with his lovely wife, and in his garden where he planted a variety of vegetables and flowers. He was an active member of Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship Church in Medina NY.

He is survived by his children Edward (Hope) Knapp of Alexander, and Donald Knapp of Indiana. James and Robert Vanderwoude, both of Medina, Linda (Henry Azcue) Vanderwoude of Brooklyn, 3 grandsons, Jonathan (Amirose) Knapp of Leroy, Michael (Nicole) Knapp of Batavia, Joshua (Brandy) Knapp of Bethany, granddaughter in-law Shannon Daugherty of North Adams MA, Travis Vanderwoude of Florida, along with 8 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by sisters Mary Nelson, Pat Williams and Joyce Knapp.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial service in Harold's honor at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 13 th, 2023 at the Alabama Full Gospel Church, 5329 Gravel Road Medina, NY 14103. Memorials may be made in Harold's name to the AFGF at the address listed above. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of Harold at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com