Anthony Gerald Mervyn Francome
Born: 29 January 1933, Swindon, Wiltshire
Died: 7 January 2026, Swindon, Wiltshire

Anthony Gerald Mervyn Francome passed away peacefully on 7 January 2026, aged 92, at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Wiltshire. Born in Swindon on 29 January 1933, he was the beloved only child of Dorothy Evelyn May Francome (née Smith) and Frederick Robert Francome. From his earliest years, Tony’s life was shaped by resilience, warmth, and a deep devotion to family.

During a childhood visit to relatives in Weymouth, Tony met Norma Bond when they were both just six years old. Their mothers remained close throughout the war years and beyond, keeping the families connected. As Tony and Norma grew, that early friendship deepened into something lasting and certain. By the time they were eighteen, they knew they wanted to share their lives.

Tony survived the collapse of his family home in Swindon during a bombing raid in the Second World War. In the aftermath, his family relocated to Weymouth, Dorset, where he grew up and where his bond with Norma continued to flourish. Tony was always athletic, and as a youngster he excelled in running and football. His talent on the pitch was such that he was once scouted to play professionally — a quiet but cherished point of pride throughout his life. The experience of wartime upheaval left a profound mark on him, instilling a quiet courage and a deep appreciation for life’s fragility.

Tony and Norma married on 3 July 1954 and settled in Purton, Wiltshire, where they built a life grounded in devotion, steadiness, and enduring love. Tony was predeceased by his beloved wife in 2018, after more than six decades of marriage.

A skilled carpenter, Tony found a craft that suited both his talent and his creative spirit. He brought that skill to the heart of his community, serving as a set designer and builder for many productions staged by local amateur dramatics groups. His imagination, workmanship, and generosity helped bring countless performances to life, and his contribution was cherished by all who worked with him.

Beyond his work, Tony embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was a passionate football fan, an avid bird watcher, a true nature lover, and an expert and knowledgeable gardener whose care for the natural world was evident in every space he tended. He also loved to sing and had a naturally lovely voice, something he shared with quiet joy throughout his life. His eclectic taste in music, spanning decades and genres, added another layer to the richness of his interests. Whether cheering on his team, spotting a rare bird, nurturing his garden, singing along to a favourite tune, or sharing music he loved, he delighted in the things that brought him joy and in sharing that joy with others.

Tony leaves behind his children: Adrienne Pillow (Paul Pillow), Deborah Francome (John Zarvis), Kim Francome, and Mark Francome. He was a proud grandfather to Louise Smith (Simon Davies), Michelle Smith (Jon Kenny), Christopher Smith (Brontë Hague), Carly Francome, and James Francome.

He was also blessed with great‑grandchildren: Taneshia Fabbro, Britney Blackford (Dan Wheeler), Millie-Mae Blackford (Oliver McLoughlin), Cea and Jaya Moisejevs, and Ella-Rae Smith.  His family continued to grow into another generation with his great‑great‑granddaughter, Ezra-Mae Wheeler. Tony took immense joy in seeing his family flourish across the years.

Throughout his long life, Tony was known for his gentle humour, unwavering loyalty, and the kindness he extended so naturally to others. His presence brought comfort, his stories offered perspective, and his character left a lasting imprint on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be remembered with great affection, and his legacy lives on in the values he embodied and the love he shared so generously.

A funeral service will be held on 3 February 2026 at 1 p.m. at North Wiltshire Crematorium, Swindon Road, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire. Family flowers only. Donations in Tony’s name to the R.S.P.B. are warmly welcomed.