Frank Dan Juricek

Frank Dan Juricek went to be with his Lord October 22, 2010. Frank was born in Taylor, Texas, August 11, 1928 to Frank and Henrietta Johanna Juricek. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Albert Lee Stahl, in Austin and Houston Texas. August 11, 1947 Frank was united in marriage to Emma “Sue” Slough in Galena Park, Texas. As a boy, Frank loved music, and was interested in the steel guitar. At the age of 14, Frank's step dad bought him his first steel guitar and Frank started teaching himself how to play the instrument. Frank played with local bands in the Houston area and eventually played in the studio for Bill Quinn and Gold Star Records in Houston. From there he was hired as a staff musician for WOAI radio station in San Antonio. The station had a regular radio show Monday thru Friday. In 1948 Frank joined the Leon Payne Band and recorded “I Love You Because”, written by Leon Payne. The #1 hit was recorded by Capitol Records and quickly became a national and international favorite! In the early 50’s, Frank joined the Jimmy and Leon Short Western Swing Band and toured with them as far as New York before deciding to return home to be with his family. From then on, Frank never played too far from home. In 1953 Frank became a design draftsman/graphics artist. During the following years he combined work with his love for music. In 1960 Frank formed his own band, a Hawaiian group called the “Tradewinds”. For 10 years they enjoyed performing for private parties, hotels, and country clubs around Houston. Over the years Frank has played backup at the Houston Rodeo for Charlie Pride, has played with the Tiny Skaggs Orchestra and recorded with George Jones, Charlie Walker, Hank Locklin, Link Davis, Harry Choats, Jimmy & Leon Short, T. Tex Tyler, Hank Williams, Tex Ritter, Jimmy Wakley, Grampa Jones, Floyd Tillman, Jerry Jericho and more at the Houston Colliseum and the Houston Music Hall. After Frank’s retirement, he continued to play his steel at numerous churches and area oprys. His cheerful personality has earned him the name, “Smilin’ Frank Juricek.”

Frank is proceed in death by: father, Frank Juricek; mother, Hattie Stahl; stepfather, Albert Lee Stahl; infant brother, Edward Juricek .

Survived by: his wife, Sue; daughter, Judy Diane Cole and husband Don of Brenham, TX; sons, Steve Juricek and wife Terri of Spring, TX, Darel Juricek and wife Faye of Kingwood, TX; grandsons, Jason Golden, Jarrod Juricek, Keith Juricek, and Brian Juricek; granddaughter, Tammy Cole Kimbrell, Baytown, TX; great-granddaughters, Summer and Grace Kimbrell.

In lieu of flowers contribution can be made to the Morning Star Cowboy Church Building Fund. Services in care of Brenham Memorial Chapel.