DIRIK BAROLD FRANCIS

Dirik Barold Francis was born a preemie on October 30, 1964 in Houston, TX. His parents are MSG Lester Francis and Eleatha D. Francis. From birth he had Scoliosis and Marfans Syndrome. He grew to be 6’9, which gave him the nicknames Lurch and Stretch. As a military dependent, Dirik attended several elementary schools but, his family settled in San Antonio, TX. Dirik attended middle school at Kirby Jr. High and Judson High School. His high school art teacher was instrumental in developing his love for art. Through that relationship Dirik was able to enter several art contests and sold over 200 renditions of a John Wayne portrait. Dirik was an athletic trainer, a part of the Chess Club, where he competed in a state championship and won 2nd place. He graduated from Judson in 1982, earned his Associates Degree in Art at the Art Institute of Houston, and was the first college graduate in his family.

After college, Dirik was given opportunities to use his art to create drawings and advertisements for different companies, including McDonald’s; as well as he substituted in Judson Independent School District. Dirik’s eyes began to worsen, which led him to change directions and begin a venture with the Christian Outreach Institute. He began mission work and learning martial arts studying and training in both Tew-Su and Kung-Fu. He was a level 8 in TEW-SU and a 4 Degree Black Belt. In martial arts Dirik became an associate instructor, he led classes and created videos until his health wouldn’t allow him to continue. He became an Eagle Scholar and received corporate letters. His positive attitude and need to help others allowed him to be a youth minister and a missionary where he traveled. As a missionary for Jesus Christ he inspired, fellowshipped, spoke positivity into people’s lives, and never met a stranger. He loved all.

As Dirik’s health continued to decline, he had corneal transplants in both eyes and limited eye sight. He had several surgeries to replace his aortic valve, in July 2016 his last surgery, he became paralyzed and was confined to a wheelchair. Dirik didn’t allow any of this to stop him from being as independent as possible. He used perseverance and determination, to continue ministering to others about Jesus Christ. You could find him talking on the phone, leaving voice mails, or traveling to places to meet up with family, or friends.  He embodied the church. On Christmas Day 2019, he called over 30 people just to say, Jesus loves you and so do I! He knew their circumstances and was a living example of God’s love. Dirik passed away on December 29, 2019 at 8:20 am.

He is survived by his parents, his eldest brother Donnis Lane, his sister and brother-in-law Deena and Donald Bosier, his nephews Denair Allen, Donald Bosier Jr., Devin Bosier, Daniel Griffin, his nieces Denariah Bosier and Bryonna Bosier, 3 Aunt’s (Dorothy Hunt, Enola Hawkins, and Jacqueline Malone),4 Uncles (Murphy Walker, Joe Walker, Johnny B. Hawkins, and Wallace Francis), and a host of cousins and friends that he considered family.

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