Frank J. Spiva, Jr., 95, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018 in Abilene. Following a family burial service, a memorial service will be held at 1:30p.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at First Christian Church, 1420 N. 3rd St., Abilene with Rev. Susan Payne officiating. Visitation will be held Monday from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South.
Frank, the youngest of three children, was born on August 17, 1922 in Dallas, TX to Ercell Morehead and Frank J. Spiva. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, where he played basketball and met the love of his life, Mae Ella Watson, in typing class. They wed in Miami, FL in 1943 and began their 68 years of married life.
They lived in Anacortes, WA after Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Frank served as a lieutenant and was a part of the Empire Express, flying twin-engine aircraft out of the Aleutian Islands.
Frank attended Southern Methodist University on the GI bill, and obtained a degree in Geology. Following graduation, they moved to Abilene and he worked for the firm of J.D. Tompkins & Gully. Afterwards Frank and A.K. Doss formed Spiva & Doss. Later, Frank worked as an independent oil operator and formed AVIPS Petroleum, Inc, all the while serving as a member of several regional and national oil and gas organizations.
Frank was very dedicated to First Christian Church where he was involved as an Elder, Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He served as Chairman of the Board and was named layman of the year for the Central Area, in recognition of his service. Frank believed in strong family relationships, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Frank and Mae Ella had a wide circle of fun-loving friends and especially enjoyed hosting at their property at Lake Brownwood. He was well known for his handmade and personalized greeting/birthday cards.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mae Ella; mother; father; sister, Mary Catherine (Spiva) Hamilton; and brother, Jack Spiva. Survivors include his children, Sue Telle of San Antonio, Randy Spiva and wife, Kay of Abilene and Scott Spiva and wife, Juli of San Antonio; grandchildren, Garrett Telle of Buda, TX, Kim Maynard and husband, Brad of Lexington, KY, Jennifer Timby and husband, Robert of Cedar Park, TX, Sabrina Herrmann and husband, Ben of Oklahoma City, OK and Lauren Spiva of San Antonio, TX; great-grandchildren, Gavin Maynard, Hudson Timby and Chloe Herrmann; and two nephews, John Spiva of Heath, TX and Terry Hamilton of Pikesville, MD.
The family requests memorials be made to First Christian Church, 1420 N. 3rd St., Abilene or Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine St. Abilene.
You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhomes.com
