Dr. Francis M. Kunkler 75 of Springfield passed away Saturday, April 11, 2015. He was born November 21, 1939 to Gay and Edith Wilhoit Kunkler in Springfield, MO. Francis had a doctorate in Communication from the University of Minnesota. He called himself a Horologist and was a great lover of Opera, Classical Music, ball sports, History, Black Powder guns, Politics, camping, Family, the Masons and many more endeavors. Most of all he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Francis had a great wit and will be missed by all who knew him.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by many, many friends. A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Klingner-Cope at Midtown, 1635 N. Benton. Francis has donated his body to the University of Minnesota for medical research.