Matilde Francisco "Frank" Santos Sr April 14, 1952 - October 11, 2025 Matilde "Frank" Francisco Santos Sr., age 73, of Clinton, Oklahoma, was born on March 14, 1952, in Strawn, Texas, to Felix and Juanita (Medina) Santos. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Oklahoma City, surrounded by his loving family.
Frank was raised in Breckenridge, Texas, where he attended Breckenridge High School. He later became a long-distance truck driver, a profession that fit his love of travel and open roads. In March of 2007, shortly after moving to Clinton, he married the love of his life, Margaret Castaneda, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and family. Frank was known for his big heart, strong work ethic, and unforgettable sense of humor. He enjoyed simple pleasures - fishing, catching armadillos, watching westerns and professional wrestling, cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys, and friendly football wagers with friends. Above all, he treasured spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him endless joy. He was a man who never met a stranger and was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness and laughter will continue to echo through the lives of his family and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Juanita Santos, and his granddaughter, Caitlin Two-Hatchett. He is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret Castaneda of the home; his sons Matilde "Kico" Santos Jr. and wife Carolyn Shocky of Arkansas, and Ruben Lee Santos and wife Norma of Clinton; his daughters Audra Santos and husband Jaime Rivera of Clinton, and Matilda Shrestha, of Texas. He is also survived by his sisters Sandra Fernandez, Juliana Manriquez, Irene Santos, Olivia Cortez, Maxine Santos, Teresa Santos, Janie Saucedo, and Jessie Santos-Reed, and his brothers Angelo, Domingo, Willie, and Felix Santos, all of Texas.
Frank leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by his grandchildren - Samantha Tovar, Jacob Rivera, Jaime Jr. Rivera, Jordan Ernst, John Paul Munoz Jr., Clay Elmer Green Jr., Ethan Curtis Francisco, Jessica Roque, Ruben Jr. Santos, Jenna Santos, Samuel Santos, Maisie Santos, Donovan Santos, Angela Santos, and Gina Rivera - and his great-grandchildren Paislee Bryant, Mateo Roque, Amari Beth-Santos Ernst, Ayva Perkins, Adaline Ruth Santos Ernst, and Achilles Lee Santos Ernst. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Shepherd Home Health, the Blakeburn Clinic, Dr. Reynolds and his staff, Broadway Heights Baptist Church, Dr. Nelson, Dr. Stacey Knapp, Elera Caring, and the Lee Hometown Funeral Home for their compassion and care.
Those wishing to honor Frank's memory may make contributions to the Oklahoma
Cancer Society. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Broadway Heights Baptist Church in Clinton, with Robert White officiating. Burial was held at the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.
Published by Breckenridge American from Oct. 22 to Nov. 5, 2025.