Samuel Lewis “Sam” Frankenfield, Jr. 96, went home to be with the Lord on May 25, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Juanita Mansell Frankenfield; father, Samuel Lewis Frankenfield, Sr.; mother, Blanche Shaw Frankenfield Cozart; sister, Sara Margaret Plaxco; brother, Robert E. “Bob” Frankenfield.
Sam was born January 1, 1922 in Fort Worth, Texas and grew up on the East Side. He graduated from Poly High School in 1939 and attended North Texas Agricultural College, now known as UTA.
During his brief career as an employee, Sam landed a job at Convair (later known as General Dynamics) in Fort Worth where he met the love of his life Juanita Mansell. They were married on October 27, 1945 and settled in the Handley neighborhood of east Fort Worth.
Sam owned and operated many businesses (milk route, liquor store, ice plant, oil re-refining plant, window display) before becoming a realtor and embarking on a successful 35 year career as a custom home builder, under the name of Sam Frankenfield, Inc.
Sam had a heart for service and was involved in many civic affairs on the East Side. He served as President of the East Handley Dad’s Club, Chairman of the East Side YMCA and Manager of his son’s Little League and Pony League Baseball teams. Sam was also a Master Mason, Shriner and member of Moslah Temple for over 50 years.
While raising his family, Sam was a member of Handley Meadowbrook Christian Church where he served as Deacon and Board Chairman.
For 59 years, Sam was a dedicated member of the Handley Meadowbrook Lions Club, where he served in various offices including President. As a Lion, Sam received numerous awards, most notably the Lion of the Year Award and the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship. Sam was instrumental in the construction of the current HMLC building and was a long-standing, highly respected member of the board.
Sam was President of the Interlochen HOA while living in Interlochen prior to moving to his ranch near Rhome.
Sam enjoyed riding horses, cattle ranching, hunting and fishing, and was an avid golfer. As a member of the Meadowbrook Wranglers Riding Club, Sam loved competing in horseback events, winning numerous awards and trophies.
Sam was a member of Glen Garden Country Club and later a longtime member of Woodhaven Golf and Country Club. Sam had seven holes-in-one during his golfing “career” and shot his age or better 877 times.
After Juanita’s passing in November 2017, Sam continued to live at their Rhome ranch until his own passing. He had retired from active cattle ranching, but played golf and attended the Lions Club until the end. Sam will be dearly missed as he is now absent from the body and present with the Lord.
Sam is survived by daughter Jan McNicholas and husband Mike of Hurst, son Samuel Frankenfield III and wife Suzan of Fort Worth, grandchildren Shaye Baber, Michael Todd McNicholas and Christopher Watson and wife Jessica, and great grandchildren Samantha, Savanah, Meagan and Sydney.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Handley Meadowbrook Lions Club, PO Box 8582, Fort Worth, TX 76124. The donations will help fund the Lions Camp in Kerrville for children with disabilities, in memory of Sam Frankenfield.
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