Francis Ellery Bivins, 90, longtime Sawyer area farmer, died Tuesday, January 15, 2013 in a Minot Nursing Home.

Francis was born December 25, 1922 in Willis Township of Ward County, North Dakota, the son of Donald and Leona Marvel (Baker) Bivins. He was raised and educated at rural schools in Willis Township and graduated from Minot High School in 1940. He attended North Dakota State University in Fargo for two years and was united in marriage to Joan Laskowski on June 10, 1951 at Minot.

Francis and Joan built a home on the Bivins family farm and purchased additional land in the South Prairie area. They continued to farm in Willis Township throughout the years, where they raised their four children. Francis and Joan retired from farming in 1990. Joan died November 26, 2003.

Francis was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Minot, where he served on the Trustee Board and as an usher. He was a member of the Minot Moose Lodge and served on the Willis Township Board as the Treasurer for over 15 years. He served on the Town & Country Credit Union's Board of Directors and the Sawyer School Board. He also served on the Farmer's Union Elevator Board, Ward County Agricultural Stabilization Board and as sexton of Willis Township Cemetery for many years.

Francis' loving family includes, children, Margaret (Don) Steig, Sawyer, Phyllis Bivins, Mott, ND, Nancy (Joe) Burgard, Jamestown, ND and Daniel (Katherine) Bivins, Macomb, MI; six grandchildren to include, Jayme (Katie) Steig, Kelly (Troy) Haman, Andrew (Jennifer) Burgard, Michelle (David) Malchow, Marissa and Eben Bivins; four great-grandchildren; sister, Marion (Nels) Narum, Douglas, ND; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Joan and brother, Ronald.

Funeral service: Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Friday from 2:00-7:00 pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.