Frankie Jerry Vrabel

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Frankie Jerry Vrabel on February 17, 2026. Frankie was born at home in Jarrell, Texas on January 27, 1943, to Louis A. Vrabel and Ludmilla M. Havelka Vrabel. He graduated Holy Trinity Catholic School in 1957 and Jarrell High School in 1961. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved brothers Eugene and Louis, and his beautiful sister Lillie.

He married the love of his life Betty Ann Tschoerner on October 19, 1968. They were lovebirds from day one. Frankie never missed an opportunity to kiss Betty Ann good morning, goodbye, or hello after a long day’s work. He was smitten with his bride. They welcomed Nicole Marie in 1972 and David Ryan in 1975.

Their early married life was spent in a home next door to Frankie’s parents. In 1985, Frankie built a home on 1st Street doing much of the work himself. Nicole and Ryan both helped their dad run all the electricity through the rafters.

Frankie was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a proud Catholic. He lived his faith daily in words and actions. He was humble, compassionate, kind, loving, and generous. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. His grandparents, Martin and Frantiska Vrabel were founding members of the church and Martin was a foreman for the construction of the church in 1913-1914. Frankie served Holy Trinity Catholic Church as an altar boy, usher, and parish council member for many years. He also worked at the auction at the church picnic.

Frankie began his postal career in 1962 sorting mail at the Jarrell Post Office. His coworkers in the tiny post office at that time were Postmaster Buck Jones and rural carrier L.R. Smith. He began to sub for L.R. and eventually took over the Rural Route as his own and continued to faithfully deliver mail for the only route in Jarrell, Texas for 42 years. He served military time in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1964-1970.

After his federal retirement from the US Postal Service, he went to work for Jarrell ISD as the maintenance coordinator and groundskeeper at the high school athletic complex. He maintained the football field and ballparks with such care and pride. You could find him on a mower, striping the Cougar fields, and swapping stories with Coach Franklin, Drew Sumner, Tookie Mullen, and Chino Gonzalez. He treasured his post-retirement job and all the people he worked with at his alma mater.

Frankie also had numerous side jobs throughout the years. He mowed lawns and cemeteries all over Jarrell, often taking Nicole and Ryan along to help. He laid water lines, checked meters, and fixed broken pipes for Jarrell Schwertner Water supply with his good buddy and sidekick Kevin Lloyd. He was knee-deep in a ditch digging up a broken line when Betty Ann went into labor with their firstborn Nicole.

Frankie treasured time spent at the deer lease with Emil Danek, Jerry David, Benny McLaurin, and Billy Blackman. He also looked forward to the annual sausage making that took place in his shed. He loved trips to the Gulf Coast and bay fishing.

He took great pride in watching his son Ryan coach Taylor High School Football, Reagan play baseball in Louisiana and Arizona, and Braeden and Ross play Jarrell High School Athletics. Natalie and Rachel were adored by their sweet grandpa. On Sunday afternoons, he could be found watching the Dallas Cowboys. He was an avid Texas Longhorn fan and was in the stadium with Nicole when Ricky Williams surpassed Earl Campbell’s rushing record. The Texas-OU game was playing in the background at their wedding reception in 1968.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Betty Ann Vrabel, daughter Nicole Bazar, son Ryan Vrabel (Kristy); grandchildren Reagan Bazar (Kelsey), Natalie Noonan (Roddy), Rachel Dunning (Brett), Braeden Vrabel, Ross Vrabel; great-grandchildren, Cole and Carson Bazar; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20th at Gabriel’s Funeral Chapel 5-7 pm with a Rosary starting at 7pm. The funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 21st at 10 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Pallbearers are Reagan Bazar, Braeden Vrabel, Ross Vrabel, Rick Vrabel, Kevin Lloyd, Roddy Noonan, and Brett Dunning. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Blackman, Jody Danek, Benny McLaurin, Wilbert Tschoerner, and Tony Ziegler.

We are grateful for the life he lived, and his memory will live on in his beautiful family and through the countless lives he touched.

Memorials may be made to:

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

8626 FM 1105

Jarrell, TX 76537