Frank Manuel Stockwell

Frank Manuel Stockwell, also known as Panchito and Grandpa was born on December 2, 1923 in San Diego, Texas. His parents were Julian Palacios Stockwell and Elisa Stockwell. He is preceded in death by his beloved brother, Julian Frank Stockwell and his daughter, Priscilla Ann Gordon and his son, Julian P. Stockwell. As a child, he spent a lot of time in Concepcion, Texas with his grandparents. He volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force during World War II, hoping to train as a pilot, but his vision prevented him from doing so. He often shared war stories like the time he got lost “sightseeing” in France. After he returned home from the war, he met Emma Garza, the love of his life at David’s Pharmacy in Benavides, Texas in 1946. They married and moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where he worked at a local finance company. Eventually, they moved to Kingsville, Texas where Frank worked for several car dealerships. They raised five children, Richard Frank, Priscilla Ann, Julian Paul, Mac and Jean Stockwell. Most of their remaining years were spent in Corpus Christi, where he became a Realtor. Frank, a loving husband, father and grandfather will always be remembered for his kindness and sense of humor. No matter how grim the circumstances, he always found humor in any situation. Even in his final days, he had nurses laughing and telling us how cute he was, and how he was their favorite patient. He always had time to tell his loving wife, daughters and granddaughters how beautiful they were. He appreciated the simple things in life like playing Scrabble with his grandchildren, drinking a good cup of coffee with some pan dulce, or playing the Lotto. He would have long conversations with his sons about the Spurs or talk with his daughter about two of his favorite shows, Everybody Loves Raymond and American Idol. But one of the things he enjoyed most was spending time with Emma, his devoted wife of almost seventy years. People often said the love between them was so rare and so special. She spoiled him with her cooking, so much so, that he eventually became somewhat of a food critic. Even when he could barely eat at the hospital, he took a sip of the chicken noodle soup and told us it was too salty. A self-taught musician, Frank loved playing the guitar or piano and serenading those around him, especially his grandchildren who often traveled miles to be with him. His love of music was instilled in his family. Many happy times were also spent with his brother and brother-in-laws who were a very important part of his life. He often spoke about seeing them all again soon. He will be remembered most for teaching his five children, his nine grand-children and his nine great-grandchildren the value of love and family. He will forever be loved and missed by all who knew him. We love you DAD! Visitation will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4, 2015 rom 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.