Frank Anthony Yapelli

Frank was born July 3, 1941, in Chicago, IL and is preceded in death by his mother Kathleen Ryan, father Frank Yapelli, and siblings Marie Gajda and Stephen Yapelli, as well as many half siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Frank is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen, of North Richland Hills; his daughter, Kristin Anderson (Shane) and their children Zachary, Madelyn, and Nicholas of Northlake, TX and Isabella Logan who resides in Fargo, ND; his daughter Jenelle Hanks (Stephen) of Lubbock, TX and their children Reagan, Presley, Colton and Gentry, and step-mother Carmella Kenneth in Huntington Beach, California.

Frank was a loud, Italian, story embellishing, Chicago born, Texas found and lived giant of a man and was one of the hardest working men we knew.

He got his first job at 13, on a paper route in Chicago and he built his life on hard work, grit, and never living beyond your means. In all our lives, we never knew him to call in to work sick. He showed us what it was to have incredible work ethic, and we know it is what we build our lives on today.

He worked over-time and holidays, so our family had all we needed and a lot of what we wanted.

He joined the army in 1963 and received a Sharpshooter qualification badge in April of that year. He was honorably discharged in March 1969. He was hired at American Airlines later that year and worked on the ramp loading bags and worked his way up to crew chief. His crew loved him and always bid to have him as their leader because he would jump in and help to make sure his gate would get off on time.

After he retired from American Airlines, he just couldn’t sit still so he got another part time job at Walmart (and another 401k!). Every single extra dollar he earned, went into an account to put his daughters through college.

At home, after his family - his pride and joy were his garden and his lawn. He meticulously maintained them both well into his 70s. Straight lines always. Occasionally we’d laugh about the time he killed the entire crop of corn, or when the zucchini crop went haywire… there is only so much zucchini bread you can make!!

He loved watching the news, the stock market (and had his financial guy on speed dial… ) traveling, old western movies, Snickers bars, Dr Pepper (and we would have to sneak them to him because my mom didn’t want him drinking them), was a great chess player, reading books about wars and Presidents, The Chicago Bulls and The Chicago Bears. 1985 was a good year in our house.

He was neurotic about cleaning up. He would want to clean up the dishes before you were done eating, the wrapping paper before it was off the present and hit the floor, loaded the dishwasher like it was a Tetris game and lined his wallet and coins up on his nightstand in perfect order.

He is also the only person we know that packs 2 months before a trip. That is insane, but we do have a few laughs about that.

He loved being a ‘Poppy’ and had assurance knowing all his grandkids are on paths to success in life. He loved attending their sporting events, celebrations and graduations.

Between his two daughters, he probably moved them and their stuff 25 times. Out to college dorms, into apartments, to new apartments, into first homes, into new homes… Never batted an eye. Always showed up. Packed the truck like a professional and maximized the space. He was strong as an ox and never complained.

He had been in a decline the past few years. His body slowly saying, “slow down”. His mind wanting to do more than his body could.

There just aren’t enough days with the people you love. And so, begins the journey into the memories.

We love you. You can rest now.

Thank you for it all.

Per Frank's and the family's wishes, no public services are planned. The family would like to sincerely thank Magnolia Hospice for the excellent and comforting care of Frank that allowed him to remain at home during his final months.