Frantz, Richard T.

1949 ~
 2020

OBITUARY

Richard “Rick” Thomas Frantz, Sr., was born on Wednesday, September 7th, 1949 to his parents Roy and Wilna Frantz in Houston, TX. Rick was the fifth of 11 children, growing up in a lively Catholic home with nine sisters and one brother.

He spent his childhood in Southeast Houston, keeping life exciting as a young, rambunctious boy for both his parents at home and the nuns who taught him in Catholic school. After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force Reserves where he served for six years as an aircraft propulsion and powerplant technician on C-130 aircraft. During this time, he graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, which laid the foundation for a lifelong career in civil, structural, and forensic engineering.

One of the best unexpected twists in Rick’s life occurred as a result of his military service, meeting his wife Dixie. After moving homes in Houston, Rick met Dixie when inquiring about his enlistment check that came in the mail at his old house. Dixie, taking a break from trimming the Christmas tree with her family, just happened to answer the door that day and Rick was stricken from that moment. The two married in 1972 at St. Frances Cabrini in Houston, TX. Their 47-year marriage is a rare and special testament of love, fortitude, and commitment.

Rick left his mark on this world with his creativity, love of learning, and sense of humor. Each of these attributes fed into a natural talent of problem solving. Rick worked tirelessly for his family and community throughout his life. As an engineer, he started his own business, helped design and build St. Martha’s new church complex in Kingwood, TX, and finished his career mentoring the next generation of engineers at Shell Deer Park. He put his problem-solving skills to use as a father as well, redesigning and remodeling their home into a handicapped-friendly dwelling for their late special-needs daughter Mimi.

In 2016, Rick was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer, with an initial prognosis that looked grave. With family support and some divine intervention, Rick was selected for an immunotherapy trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The treatments afforded him four invaluable years of life, during which time he welcomed three more grandchildren and made countless, special memories. His entire family is so grateful for the amazing medical professionals at MDA.

Rick leaves behind his wife Dixie, daughter Katie, son Ricky, and was preceded by the death of his beloved daughter Mimi. In addition, he is survived by two grandsons, Jacob and Benjamin, and two granddaughters, Zélie and Melanie, as well a son-in-law Chad and daughter-in-law Kate.

If you wish to honor Rick’s memory, we kindly ask that you donate to St. Martha’s Capital Campaign fund: https://stmartha.com/capital-campaign

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Service Information

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2020, from 5-7pm @ Darst Funeral Home. A Rosary will follow @ 7pm. Located at 796 Russell Palmer, Kingwood, Tx., 77339.

A Funeral Service will be held @ St. Martha’s Church on Monday, March 16, 2020, @ 10am, Located at 4301 Woodbridge, Kingwood, Tx., with a Graveside Burial to follow @ Rosewood Cemetery, located @ 2602 S Houston Ave., Humble, Tx., 77396.

To express your sympathy with a flower arrangement please contact our florist.

18 Responses

  1. Our love and prayers are with you and your family. I’m so sorry we will not be able to be there for the service and to give you all our condolences. Please know you are all in our hearts ❤️

  2. Rick was a wonderful brother in law. I know that my husband Gary will especially miss Rick. I believe Rick is in Heaven with Mimi. Those of us left on earth will suffer without his thoughtful insights and reassuring presence. I’m sorry Rick you had to pass as I prayed fir your cure and more time. Perhaps it was selfish as I wanted you, your family and you siblings, especially Gary to have even more time. We are grateful for time we had with you. You are missed.

  3. So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was such a great person and impacted so many. Prayers to your wonderful family.
    Clay, Shelley, Abigail, and Isabelle

  4. My Uncle Rick was a wonderful person and had a profound impact on my life – I looked up to him and his faith, his respect and love for his family, and his positive outlook no matter the situation. My condolences and love to you all, I know that Rick and Melanie are smiling at us all.

  5. Rick never forgot for a moment what it was he was traveling towards. His goal was heaven. To be with Christ, soul and body. Rick was a true son of the Church! This leaves me with a smile! I love you brother!

  6. Dixie, we are sending our deepest sympathies to you and all the family along with our love and prayers.

  7. Dearest Dixie, Katie, Rick, and spouses and grandchildren,
    May the peace of Christ be with you all at your time of sorrow and grief. But rest assured this righteous man—husband, father, in-law, grandparent rests with both our Heavenly Father and his beloved Mimi. I feel this gives you each great comfort, and to know he is completely healed. May all your memories bring you comfort and love. Please know prayers are being said for you and lifting you all up for Jesus supreme peace and blessings. My heart goes out to each of you and my sincere condolences.
    Much love,
    nancy caperton

  8. I’m so sorry Dixie for your loss. With our Lords help you will move forward carrying such beautiful memories of Rick and Mimi. Your family is a great testament to love, courage, and faith.

  9. Dear Dixie and family, My deep sympathy for
    your loss. Your entire family has been an inspiration as you have supported each other through difficult trials and let us walk with you through your posts and updates. Much love to you all and I am praying for you now and in the days ahead.

  10. It was a blessing to get to know and work with Rick at Shell. He was generous with personal and professional advice. He always had a peace about his illness that I found to be a good example and reflective of his faith. Our prayers are with the Frantz family.

    Travis and Kelley Twardowski

  11. We are sending our deepest condolences to you Dixie and all all your family. We are praying for peace now that Rick has gone home to be with your beautiful Mimi.God be with ya’ll.

  12. Dear Dixie and family,
    I am so sorry about your sweet Rick. May warm memories of happy and loving times comfort you. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always! With much love.

  13. Dixie:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. It was an honor to have known you and Rick after I met him in January 2009 at a ministry workshop. I loved talking with him after Mass when I lived in Kingwood.

    Eternal rest grant unto Rick, oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him!

  14. I had the pleasure of working with Rick for more than 6 years and got to know him well. Our friendship deepened to our families and we grew close to Dixie and Mimi, as well. I count it as a rare privilege being counted as a friend to Rick. A fine engineer, a finer husband, father and grandfather. A life well lived. God Bless you, Rick.

  15. Dixie, I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I will always remember him as a kind and thoughtful man of great faith who loved his family and served his Lord in many ways. My thought s and prayers are with you in the days to come.

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