Fred Frantz Jr entered heaven on October 28th, surrounded by family and caregivers. He was welcomed to heaven by his sons who preceded him in death in 2021 and 2022, Michael and John Frantz. Words escape me on how to describe our Papa in the past tense because the memories we have of him are numerous. Our Papa was the epitome of dedication, love and pure pride of his family. He dearly loved his wife, Linda Frantz who he celebrated 55 years of marriage with this past July. Throughout the years he would express how much their vows meant to them and they modeled each one every day. He reminded us about how marriage is not just about the easy stuff but also sickness and health, for better or worse. He spoke so lovingly about his wife and how proud he was of her each day. Papa loved to be outside and rarely ever liked to sit down. As we were growing up he would only take naps while watching golf on TV but swore to us he was “watching TV through his nose.” He loved to walk each day and loved to look for second hand treasures. He did not believe in wasting one thing and would always try to find homes for things he believed still had value or use. There were many times he would bring things home from his walks or go back and rescue things he found on his walks. Many times we would see his treasures being fixed on the porch or garage. His grandkids would bring him things they needed fixed and would say, “If anyone can fix it, it’s Papa.” He took great pride in their many gardens, flowers and also his lawn. Papa loved to camp as well as fish. He fell in love with the Davis Mountains and they would return year after year. Throughout the years he enjoyed many camping trips with his wife, kids and grandkids. Papa served in the Army testing missiles in White Sands, New Mexico. He also graduated from Sul Ross University with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics. He was a man of great work ethic and had little patience for those who did not share the same value. Papa worked his way from maintenance worker to a Production Foreman for Shell Oil. This took him and his family from Texas to Oklahoma to California to Michigan and then back to Texas. He retired from Shell after 26.5 years but continued to work as a lease operator for the next 10 years.
Our Papa was so very proud of his children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Some of his most precious gifts included pictures of the kids or art made by them. He cherished each and every moment with his family. Even when the noise level was too much for him, he would simply take out his hearing aids and just sit and enjoy each moment. He loved his kids but his grandkids and great grandkids were some of his greatest blessings. He enjoyed each visit, back porch conversation, walk, bike ride, lesson on arm farts, BB gun lesson, Easter egg hunt and birthday celebration. Some of his proudest moments were watching his children and grandchildren graduate and attend school. Education was extremely important to Papa and while some will graduate without him there, we know that he will be right there beside them as they walk across the stage cheering them on. He leaves behind so many who feel the unbelievable weight of his absence. While we know that he is up in heaven no longer in pain, with complete memory, and that amazing black hair and mustache, our hearts are still broken with the thought of a world without him in it.
He leaves behind his wife, Linda Frantz. His children-Dwayne and Tanya Frantz, Cynthia and Chris Gomez-Brooks; his grandchildren-Brittany and CJ Braun, Ashlynn, Brayden, Caelynn Gomez-Brooks, Casey, Sam, Logan and Nadia Primera; his great grandchildren-Tripp and Eleanor Braun, Lily and Aria Primera. He also leaves behind many who loved him and called him Papa throughout the years. We love you more than the moon and stars Papa.
The family would like to thank all of his doctors, nurses and the wonderful caregivers at Visiting Angels and Hospice of Midland. There will not be a formal service. However if you wish to honor him, please make a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
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