Francis Yeeda, aged 86, of Frisco, TX, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with illness. Born on November 9, 1939, in Calcutta, India, to Jaganathswamy and Kamallamma Yeeda, Francis was a devoted family man and resilient soul whose life was defined by sacrifice, quiet strength, and an enduring sense of purpose. He was a man of true grit — one who met every hardship with resolve and unwavering determination.
A native of Kakinada — a coastal city where the land meets the sea in perfect harmony — Francis was the fifth of eight children. He was born in Calcutta, where his father served as a train lighting foreman with the Imperial Indian Railways, the predecessor to today's Indian Railways, during the final years of British rule. Francis's childhood was filled with joyful moments spent with his siblings in the spacious bungalow they called home. Following his father's untimely death, the family returned to Kakinada, where they faced significant hardship under the care of their widowed mother.
At age 16, Francis joined the Indian Navy, serving with honor. He completed officer training in Bombay and advanced naval training in Vladivostok, USSR, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1973 and returning to civilian life in Kakinada.
On September 12, 1970, he married the love of his life, Blandina, at Craig Memorial Baptist Church in Kakinada. Together they raised three children — Alan, Peter, and Mona — and opened their hearts and home to several children who had lost their parents, lovingly raising them as their own. Francis also built a family home on ancestral land that had been in the Yeeda family for over a century.
After his naval service, Francis embarked on a successful career with Syndicate Bank, while Blandina served as a teacher at CBM School in Kakinada. In 1982, Francis made the first of many profound sacrifices, leaving his stable banking position to seek better opportunities for his family abroad. He first relocated to Africa, settling in Zimbabwe and accepting a teaching position at Empandeni Mission School. In 1983, Blandina and their three children joined him there, and the family cherished the clean air, serene beauty, and warm people of Africa, creating unforgettable memories. All three children completed their schooling in Zimbabwe.
In early 1995, Francis and Blandina's long-pending green card — sponsored by his late elder brother George Yeeda — was approved. At the age of 56, Francis relocated to Dallas, Texas, with Blandina. The early years in America were deeply challenging. They missed their children intensely, took on work far below their qualifications, and faced the uncertainty of building a new life in a new country. Yet Francis's steadfast determination and deep sense of purpose carried him through every hardship.
Within seven years, the family reunited in Dallas. Francis instilled in his children the values of education, perseverance, and hard work — principles that shaped their character and guided their futures. All three children went on to complete graduate studies in the United States and have built successful careers.
Shortly after arriving in America, Francis connected with fellow believers, including Mr. Daniel Mutuyala and Mr. Benny Vengala. Together, they laid the foundation for the Bible Believers Fellowship (Dallas Chapter), a thriving congregation where Francis served faithfully as Treasurer for over a decade. His legacy of service, generosity, and care for others endures through this vibrant fellowship.
Francis built lifelong friendships through his years in the Navy, banking, and teaching — bonds that endured across decades and continents, a testament to the depth of his character and kindness.
Francis is survived by his beloved wife, Blandina Yeeda; his children: Alan Yeeda and wife Barbara, of Sachse, TX; Peter Yeeda and wife Prathima, of Frisco, TX; and Mona Kondepudi and husband Shyam, of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his eight cherished grandchildren: Logan Yeeda, Sarah Yeeda, Jayden Yeeda, Ahana Yeeda, Avi Yeeda, Neel Kondepudi, Elaina Kondepudi, and Abigail Kondepudi, along with a host of other loving family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jaganathswamy Yeeda and Kamallamma Yeeda; four brothers; three sisters; and his elder brother George Yeeda.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas, 75013.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM, at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas, 75013.
From the shores of Kakinada to the savanna plains of Zimbabwe to the heart of Texas, Francis Yeeda forged a path that his children and grandchildren now walk with pride. His life stands as a testament to the truth that with faith, determination, and selfless love, a single life can change the course of generations. His family will forever be grateful for the extraordinary sacrifices made by Francis and Blandina, whose devotion laid the foundation for all that their family has become — and all that they will yet achieve.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Bible Believers Fellowship – Dallas or a charity of your choice in Francis's honor.