Fran Chiles

1933 - 2021

Fran Chiles
December 28, 1933 - December 29, 2021
Fort Worth, Texas - Fran Chiles, Fort Worth resident and widow of H. E. "Eddie" Chiles (Former owner of the Texas Rangers and founder of the Western Company) passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, one day after her 88th birthday.
Both Fran and Eddie were staunch Republicans, actively involved in state and national politics. They were major supporters of the Reagan for President Campaign. Fran was the Republican National Committee Woman from the State of Texas. She also served on the Statue of Liberty Committee. She was an early supporter of George W. Bush for Texas Governor and was instrumental in the sale of the Texas Rangers to the George W. Bush group.
Mrs. Chiles attended Mary Baldwin College and was a graduate of Michigan State University and had a career in Hospitality Management. She was the quintessential hostess, entertaining old and new friends, from oilmen to dignitaries and politicians. In 1995, Fran authored Parties, Parties, Parties, a book sharing her entertainment wisdom.
Fran was gracious and generous to anyone in need. She was passionate about serving the homeless community as shown through her many philanthropic efforts with the Presbyterian Night Shelter, Salvation Army, and other organizations working with the under-served communities.
Mrs. Chiles was preceded in death by her parents, Leah Frances Durst Hafer and John Jacob Hafer, as well as two of her brothers, John Jacob Hafer, Jr. and Charles Edward Hafer. She is survived by sisters, Mary Hafer Hamilton, Margaret Hafer Keyworth & Susan Hafer Hill, and many nieces and nephews as well as Eddie's daughter, Carol Ballard, and his granddaughter, Leslie Ballard Hull, and their families.
Fran often expressed thanks to her friend of over 50 years, LeNelle Campbell, her previous guardian, now residing in California.
Also, her longtime friends, Ken Blasingame and Carter Bowden, current guardian. Additional thanks to the caregivers who served her with such kind compassionate care over the recent years.
Private services will be held at Greenwood Mausoleum in Fort Worth.
Fran was deeply spiritual and often shared one of her favorite scriptures:
"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Texas Energy Museum, Beaumont Texas (Donated to Beaumont in 1990 by her late husband Eddie Chiles) or donating to the charity of your choice.