Frank Kell Cahoon

Frank Kell Cahoon died at his home in Midland on January 30, 2013 at the age of 78. He was born on June 20, 1934 in Austin, Texas, the second child of Charles Wilbur Cahoon, Jr. and Sibyl Francis Kell Cahoon. Raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, he received early lessons in both entrepreneurship and community service through the example set by his grandfather and namesake Frank Kell, one of Wichita Falls' early pioneers and city leaders. After graduating from Wichita Falls High School, Frank enrolled at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. The summer after his freshman year, while working in the Texas oil fields, he was introduced to his future wife, Paula Powers, at a party in Abilene. When Frank learned Paula would attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall, he wisely decided to transfer. From that day forward the two were inseparable. At the University, Frank joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity and spent four years wooing Paula while pursuing a degree in geology. They were married in 1957 and moved to Killeen, Texas where Frank was stationed at Fort Hood as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1959, Frank, Paula, and their baby daughter, Corrinne, moved to Midland, Texas so Frank could pursue a career in the oil business. Active in the Republican Party, he ran and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1964 and moved to Austin. Of particular note was the fact that he was the sole Republican to serve in the 1965 Texas legislative session. He was reelected to represent Midland for an additional term in 1966. Returning to Midland, Frank found success in the energy business, most notably playing a prominent role in the construction of one of Alaska's first oil refineries, the Kenai oil refinery. Over the next forty plus years, Frank continued his commitment to public service, actively participating as a member of the Midland City Council as well as on the boards of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Midland Memorial Hospital, the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, the Museum of the Southwest, the Texas Historical Foundation, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church. Frank also took great pride and pleasure in volunteering with the Commemorative Air Force and the Sibley Nature Center as well as encouraging many other individuals to donate time and money to these and numerous other causes in support of building a better community for all Midlanders. An avid traveler with a passion for history, Frank enjoyed traveling to the far reaches of the globe with his wife and children, and later his grandchildren. He also spent a great deal of time studying both Texas and family history and loved to share that passion with others. These and other activities resulted in countless stories told with warmth, enthusiasm and humor, traits that defined him. Frank is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson Charles Hayden Bowers. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Paula; his daughter Corrinne Bowers and husband Steve of Austin; his son Frank Kell Cahoon, Jr. and wife Debbie of Austin; his son Joseph Cahoon and wife Christie of Dallas; seven grandchildren: Sara Kell Bowers of San Antonio and Beth Bowers of Austin, Lucas and Charlie Cahoon of Austin and Claire, John and Anne Cahoon of Dallas; his beloved sister Lula Jane Seydell of Wichita Falls, and numerous wonderful extended family members and friends. The family would like to give its most heartfelt thanks to Dr. Summer Merritt and caretakers Flor Castillo, Jackie Gentry, Lori Gonzales, Johnnie Jennings, Joyce Jennings and Liz Millan. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, February 1, 2013. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 2:00p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Texas Ave. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Alsup, Perry Bolger, Paul Davis, Richard Gibson, Harry Graham, David Grimes, Watson LaForce, Don Malouf, Bill Marshall, Budge McDonnald, Howard Parker, Glenn Rogers, Charlie Tighe, Tim Thompson, Tommy Waggoner and Roy Williamson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Hospice of Midland or to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com