FRANKLIN H. EILERS

FRANKLIN H. (FRANK) EILERS
Franklin Henry Eilers, 91, went to be with our Lord on February 16, 2010 in Willis, Texas. Franklin was born September 10, 1918 in Clarksville, Texas to the late Frank and Mayme (Bachman) Eilers and lived there until he went to serve his country during World War II in the 7th Armored Division of the U. S. Army. On September 18, 1943, Franklin married Dorcas Butts of Clarksville, Texas who was, from their first meeting, the love of his life.
He had a satisfying career as a mechanic and shop foreman with the Permian Corp; later named Occidental Petroleum Company. He and Dorcas lived in Mercedes, Texas from 1945 to 1965 and then moved to Weslaco, Texas where they retired together. Franklin cared for his loving wife until her death in 2006 from Alzheimer's. Frank had a longtime love of bowling and treasured the camaraderie of his many bowling buddies and friends in the Rio Grande Valley area.
He is survived by his two beloved daughters Patricia Ann and husband Grady Fossler of Willis, Texas and Betty Ruth and husband David Gower of Tyler, Texas; his two grandsons Michael Fossler and wife, Susan, of Montgomery, Texas; Eric Fossler and wife Rolanda of Willis; and his two granddaughters Pamela Gower, of Tyler; and Kimberly and husband Chris Pogue of Wichita Falls, Texas and his great-grandson, Nathaniel Fossler, of Montgomery, his pride and joy. He has one surviving brother, Robert (Bobby) Eilers and wife Loretta of Mercedes and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other extended family and a host of loving and caring friends.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 19, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home, 900 West 4th St., Weslaco. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 703 West 3rd Street, Mercedes, with the Rev. Jim Edge, officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Clarksville, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Michael Fossler, Eric Fossler, Chris Pogue, Kenneth Eilers, Kyle Eilers and Don Vogel.
Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Franklin Eilers to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mercedes, Texas his home church of 60+ years.
Arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.
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