1922
2017
Frank Henry Diebel, Jr., 95, of Port Lavaca, Tx passed away Saturday, September 23, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Frank was born May 10, 1922 in Victoria, Tx to Frank Henry Diebel, Sr. and Lula (Smith) Diebel. Frank and his sister Mary Louise (Diebel) Black spent their early childhood years in Houston, Tx and then later moved to Victoria. Frank graduated from Patti Welder High School where he played basketball and was a member of the Stingarees 1939 Regional Championship Football Team. He attended Victoria Jr. College. He served in the Army during WWII as a Staff Sgt. in the Signal Corps. And was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines. Upon returning, he worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Victoria. In 1950 he became a Gulf Oil Distributor that eventually became Diebel Oil Co. Inc. in 1980. He married the love of his life Sammye Claire (Tisdale) Diebel on August 26, 1949 in Port Lavaca.
Frank was an avid golfer. He loved traveling and working in the yard. His quick wit and deep chuckle made him many friends. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and elected Elder, a founding member of Hatch Bend Country Club, VFW Post 4403, and was instrumental in organizing Little League Baseball in Port Lavaca and served as its first President. He served on the Memorial Medical Center Hospital Board, First National Bank Board, President of Calhoun-Victoria Foreign Trade Zone, and Calhoun County Navigation District as chairman and commissioner. He was a 60-yr. member of the Rotary Club and was the recipient of the Paul Harris Award.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sammye Claire (Tisdale) Diebel; his children and spouses, Susan Diebel, Sam and Nancy Diebel, and Sarah and Dan Krueger. His grandchildren and their spouses are Jason Krueger (Courtney); Kyle Krueger; Faye Davis (Danny); Frank Hahn Diebel (Andrea). His great-grandchildren are Keileigh and Connor Krueger, Liesl and Lillian Davis, and Emma and Ellie Diebel. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Olivia Cragin; brother-in-law, Samuel Tisdale; cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Mary Louise Black; his half brother John A Terrell; and his loving uncle and aunts. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, September 27, at First Presbyterian Church – Port Lavaca followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:30 officiated by Pastor Chuck Kimball. Interment will follow at the Port Lavaca Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Hospice of South Texas, or charity of choice.
The family would like to thank all of his loving caregivers, nurses, and doctors.
Pallbearers will be Jason Krueger, Kyle Krueger, Frank Hahn Diebel, Danny Davis, Dennard Gilpin, and Stan Junek. Honorary Pallbearers are the Port Lavaca Rotary Club.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home.
3 Entries
October 13, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
September 27, 2017
This is personal: I knew Frank as a friend of our family. He was just old enough for this very homely, unattractive teen ager to think he was wonderful!. He did more to help me "like myself" than any one I knew. I just knew I'd never be popular and he convinced me to value myself.
After I left for College, I never saw him at all..and, of course, he fell deeply in love and married.I have gone through my 85 years thinking of this dear man..his part (ever so brief) in my life with much affection. Frank left untold gifts, like mine,in all the lives he touched.
With my deepest sympathy.
Mary Sue Koontz Nelson
September 26, 2017
Larry Robinson
Frank was a wonderful, honorable man whom I always respected. He has done so much for this community and it is leaders like him that make Port Lavaca the wonderful place it is. I know Frank is at peace now with our Lord and Savior. My deepest condolences to all of the family, may God give you Peace and Blessed Assurance. I will be singing at the Nursing home Wednesday at ten, the same time as the funeral .I would normally cancel but Frank told me several years ago " Never stop singing there Larry, you just don't realize how much those folks appreciate it". Because of that I will sing at the nursing home tomorrow and sing a song in memory of Frank. God Bless
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