Frances (Torres) Bockhorn

Frances Bockhorn of Brenham, age 95, passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2018 surrounded by her family at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, Texas.

Frances Marie was born February 16, 1923 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Her loving adoptive parents were John and Dennie (Eason) Torres. She was baptized in San Antonio and later confirmed in Ft. Worth. The family lived in San Antonio and then in Houston. She graduated from San Jacinto High School and attended the University of Houston. Frances began work in the accounting department at Texaco, where she met her future husband, Harold Bockhorn. They were married on Sunday, September 5, 1948 (Labor Day Weekend) in Houston.

Frances was a great home maker and an incredible cook, always trying new recipes. She enjoyed sewing and needlepoint as well as reading. History was of special interest to her. Frances was a golfer and bowler. She loved being outdoors and even enjoyed learning to fly fish while living in New York. She was a devoted Aggie fan who accompanied Harold to many football games at Kyle Field and distant contests in Boston and Honolulu. Frances was also a talented artist and enjoyed her work at Talent Tree, a local art store in Houston. Her watercolor paintings are cherished by all.

Frances had a beautiful smile that complemented her stylish appearance. She had a thankful spirit and a sincere concern for others, putting everyone else’s needs before her own. She shared a deep abiding faith by teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday School and serving as Sunday School Superintendent for churches in Midland, Houston, Tarrytown (New York) and Brenham.

In 1979, the Bockhorns returned to Harold’s hometown of Brenham upon his retirement from Texaco. They became active members of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, the church where Harold was baptized and confirmed. Frances was a member of the Dorcas Circle for 39 years helping to provide food for families following funerals and initiated creating ornaments for Salem’s Chrismon tree. Her other memberships included Brenham’s Fine Art League, Washington County Historical Society, and Brenham Ladies Golf Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of almost 60 years, Harold Bockhorn; grandson, Carl Walter Nelson; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Arthur and Lillie Mae (Bockhorn) Wehman and George Goodson.

Surviving loving family includes: son, Dr. Bruce Bockhorn and wife Carobeth of Carmine; daughters, Joyce Nelson and husband Alfred of College Station and Grace Glenn and husband Michael of Bryan; grandchildren, (who lovingly called her Granny Franny) Lee F. Bockhorn (Giulietta), Laura Fiedler (Mark), Catherine Nelson, Elizabeth Bateman, Jeffrey Glenn and Ross Glenn; great-grandchildren, David, Clare and Christopher Bockhorn, Hailey Fiedler; step-grandchildren, Lucas Stroech (Chris Ann) and Carolise Kelly (Ben); step-great-grandchildren, Graceyn, Braelyn and Kaleb Stroech ; Caroleen Kelly; Nick Fiedler and Chelsea Fiedler; sister, Peggy Goodson of Spring; numerous nieces and special niece Scottie Davis (Dan) of Brenham.

Visitation will begin Thursday, August 30th at 8:00 a.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Visitation with the family present will be held Friday, August 31st from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Salem. Pastors Charles Parnell and Rich Nelson will officiate. Interment will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery of Brenham.

Pallbearers will be her beloved grandchildren.

Memorials may be given to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Salem or to the charity of your choice.

The Bockhorn family wishes to express special thanks to the staffs of Crestview Retirement Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Texas Home Health, and to caregiver,Willie Mae Davis.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. (979) 836-3611 Tributes may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.