Frank John Fehrenbach

Frank Fehrenbach, long-time resident of Bartonville, Texas, died on Monday January 4, 2016. He was 74. Born in Newark, New Jersey on May 21, 1941, and raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, he was the second of seven children. From an early age, he worked with his father in the family Fuller Brush business and became a great salesman. A graduate of Seton Hall University, he was the first in his family to attend college.

He worked in New York City for several years learning the textile business, and ultimately started a company, Paragon Textiles, that employed many in its 25-year history. Fortuitously, he met Martha Skordinski at his sister Peggy's wedding, and they married in 1972. They lived happily for 43 years in matrimony, almost 40 years in the same house in Bartonville, Texas, where they raised their 2 children, Frank Jr. and Christina. He was an extraordinary father whose first priority was teaching and preparing his children for their lives, living their faith, and pursuing their educations. Frank enjoyed living in the country, and loved being outside working on projects and enjoying his pool. He loved music and dancing and socializing with friends. He was very solid in his Catholic faith, and was passionate to serve and give to others in need. He truly enjoyed the relationships he built along the way. As a young man, he loved adventures such as scuba diving, skiing, hunting, roller-skating, and even became a pilot and flew many adventurous flights.

In his later years, he was a proud Grandpa, and his favorite way to spend time was with his grandchildren who brought him such joy and laughter. He attended every event of theirs he possibly could, and was very encouraging to them.

He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Lewisville, TX as well as St. Basil the Great in Irving, TX. He also helped start a troop of Boy Scouts and taught Religious Education at St. Phillips. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and loved volunteering at Knights of Columbus fundraising events and service projects. He also helped build the new church at St. Basil and felt very close to the community there.

He will be missed immensely. He is survived by his wife, Martha, 2 children, son Frank Jr. and wife Tiffany, and daughter Christina and husband Matt, 5 grandchildren, Carter, Megan, Jack, Macy and Emery, and 5 siblings, Peggy, Bobby, Donald, Gerard, and Marykae, and many nieces and nephews who adored him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret Fehrenbach, and sister Marlene McGovern. We believe he is in the loving arms of our Lord in Heaven.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 8th at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home in Coppell from 5:00-9:00PM. The funeral service will take place at St. Basil the Great Byzantine Catholic Church in Irving, Texas at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 9th, and the burial will follow immediately at Rolling Oaks Cemetery in Coppell.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. Basil the Great Byzantine Catholic Church, Irving.