Francis Earl Priest

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Francis Earl Priest, on March 5, 2025, at his home in Rigby, Idaho. He was affectionately known as “Franny” to most and “legend” to others. He was just 15 days shy of his 78th birthday. He was born March 20, 1947 to Kenneth and Rolla Priest in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was the older brother of 2 younger sisters, RuthAnn and Ida Mae.

He was raised in Rigby where he made many lifelong friends. His family is pretty sure they remained friends for so long because they all knew too much. Growing up he played football, worked on the farm, enjoyed horses and worked at a gas station. Tasked at an early age to take care of others, he made sure his sisters and mother always had what they needed. Supplying needs and gifts was his unselfish nature and continued this until the day he left us.

After high school, he went into the army and served in the Vietnam War. After the war he married Nanci Toomer who he lovingly referred to as the “mother of his children” in 1969. They had 3 children, Sean, Heather and Michael. They later divorced. In 1990 he married Cheryl and later divorced. He met Lesley a few years later and they were married in 1994. They later divorced.

He worked on roads and construction and did everything he could to provide for his family. This hard work and perseverance led him to owning a company called “Eastern Idaho Construction Specialties”. Putting directly on the building “Work Smarter Not Harder” was his goal. The 80’s were tough times and the company was sold and moved to Utah. Doing what he loved, he started building homes. In 1983 the first home was built and he never looked back. The dignity and respect he had for everyone that worked for him is the example people try to strive for today. After he retired from being a home builder, you could find his adventurous spirit on the golf course, fishing for steelhead or camping and razor riding with his buddies. He loved horse racing and owned many horses with his friends, but like he always said it was the best money he ever lost.

He is survived by his children, Sean (Kristin) Priest of Rigby, Idaho, and Heather Erickson of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and 6 amazing grandchildren, who he always asked “Who are you again?” and he finally got his first great-grandchild this last year. He is also survived by his sisters, RuthAnn (Randy) Green and Ida Mae Hanson and his three ex-wives, Nanci Toomer Jardine, Cheryl Priest and Lesley Cable.

He was preceded in death by his son Michael, father Kenneth James Priest, mother Rolla Staggs along with his brother-in-law Niles Hanson.

Family and friends are invited to join us Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West Main Street, Rigby, Idaho.

There will be a viewing held Monday, March 10, 2025, from 6:00pm-7:30pm. The interment will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery. Celebration of Life will be at 3:00 pm, at the Eagles 635 Hemmert Ave Idaho Falls following the burial.