William Frank

William Frank, known as Willie, Frank, Dad, and Grandpa died at home in Brenham, Texas on March 16, 2011 at the age of 89. Willie (Frank) was born January 27, 1922 to Earl and Ida (Koester) Frank. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delly, his brothers, Ervin and Ben Frank, and sister Ablena. He is survived by his daughter, Jean Wilson and husband Bill of Billings, MT, son William Frank and wife, Maureen of Parker CO, grandchildren Robert Deike of Austin, Genienne Koehn and husband Ronny of Abilene, Jay Frank of Denver, Co; great grandson Carson Koehn; sisters, Alvina Frank of Brenham, Emma Schulz and husband Ervin Lee of Brenham; numerous nieces and nephews; and his friend of many years Lurah Winkelmann of Brenham along with an extended family including Terry (wife Donna), Wynne, Beth, Amy and Dyer.

Willie (Frank) was raised around the Whitehall/Chappell Hill area in Texas and spent many years picking cotton and went to school whenever he could. At the age of seventeen he joined the army and spent the next twenty years in the service of his country in many capacities including master sergeant and instructor of the Hawk Missile Systems and retired again from the Civil Service after another twenty years.

He met his wife Delly after World War II in Germany. Having no language in common, they learned how to communicate with each other and spent many years together raising a family. Theirs was a union of contrasts in culture delighting their children and those around them.

Descriptions of Willie (Frank) will always include some of the following words; caretaker, generous, dependable, selfless, fair, patient, punctual, caring, tall, sometimes stubborn, home-made peach jam, sausage, duct tape, football fan, story teller, crossword puzzler, card and domino player, often opinionated, self-made, soldier, instructor, planter of roses, and many more. Towards the end of his life, he indicated that his life had been wonderful, he had no regrets, and there was nothing else he needed to do. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and his great grandson. He was a simple man and his heart was as generous as he was tall. We will all miss him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday March 23, 2011 at 2 PM in Brenham Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Frank McNeely officiating.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer, Brenham, TX. 979.836.3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com