Frank Chris Carsten Jr.

FRANK CHRIS CARSTEN JR., loving husband, brother, dad, and grandpa, was peacefully called home to God on Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Known by his loving friends and family as "Big Frank", he was born on November 18, 1923, grew up in the Heights with his brother, Jack, and attended Reagan High School. In May 1943 he entered the Merchant Marines as an ordinary seaman and bravely served in the US Navy as Boatswain's Mate, Second Class from January 1944 to June 1946. Upon discharge from the Navy, he entered the University of Houston and graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1949. In July 1956, along with his best friend Harold Wilkes, he started United Fabricating Co. which was located at 4619 Eigle Street in Cottage Grove and later moved to its present location on North Houston Rosslyn Rd. As President, he prospered United Fab with the help of Mrs. Maedell Franklin and many loyal employees for more than 40 years. He was blessed with many long-time customers, most notably of which was The Albert Sterling Company. Frank was "old school" and had an incredible work ethic and passion for his work and serving his customers. Also known as "Franko" and "The Grey Fox", he lived life to the fullest and loved sailing, rodeo trail rides and ranching. He owned, trained and bred his beloved race horses for over 30 years starting with quarter horses and presently, thoroughbreds. He won his first stakes race earlier this summer at Lone Star Park. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary; brother, Jack; daughters Andrea, Marsha, and Wendy; son, Michael; stepdaughter, Rose Marie; stepson, Paul, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Big Frank is gone but his sweet smile will stay in our hearts forever. "Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!" We will love you forever. The family would like to express its heartfelt thanks to the second floor staff at MHHS Town & Country Hospital and to Dr. Vijay Sree. Visitation will be held on Sunday evening, September 9, 2007 from 6 8 pm at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home with a service the following morning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers are Burton and Jeffrey Boyd, Chris Benestante, Jeff and Jeffery Roberson, and Paul Stoneburner. Tributes and words of condolence may be shared with the family at www.MeM.com.