Francis Gilbert Sapp Jr., age 90, has gone on to be with the lord on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Francis was born on September 11, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Lauretta and Francis Sapp Sr. Francis grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, where he Graduated High School in 1954. He went onto college at AIB and got his associate’s degree in business.
Francis served in the Air Force for 8 years. During that time, he served in the Koren War. After his 8 years of service, he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.
In 1956, Francis married Micky McKitrick and they went on to have 4 children; Cindy (Butch) Rice; Julie (Kevin) Moss; Randy Sapp; and Gary (Sue) Sapp.
In 1960, Francis met Barbara and stayed friends until they married on December 7, 1996. He was a stepfather to Brent (Dana) Zimmerman and Bruce Zimmerman.
Francis was an over-the-road truck driver for 35 years. He also served on the Ankeny Fire Department as a volunteer for 25 years when he retired as a Lieutenant.
He was a long time member of the Sanctuary of Hope Church in Branson, Missouri. He recently went on an Honor Flight in April 2026.
Prior to his death, he was still employed at Nantuckett Inc. for 11 years. He was still working over 40 hours a week at the age of 90.
Francis is survived by his wife Babara Sapp of 30 years; all his children; 19 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Francis is proceeded in death by his parents, Lauretta and Francis Sapp Sr; mother in-law and father in-law, Thelma and Orville Mitchell; and 1 granddaughter, Shasta Sapp.
A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday November 14, 2026, at The Sanctuary of Hope Church, 1790 Bee Creek Road, Branson, Missouri.
