Dalton Dean Frankum

Dalton Dean Frankum, 89, passed from this earth to his heavenly home, on March 11, 2024. He was born on May 23, 1934 to Samuel and Marie Frankum. 

 He said when writing his obituary, he wanted everyone to know that there were six little words that could sum up his life: He lived, He loved, He left. Even though that is true, we will embellish that a bit. 

 Dean was the oldest of seven children. He loved his siblings, and as they all grew, being their great protector became natural and automatic for him.

 His love for singing and music began early when he began harmonizing with his parents at around age six, though he didn’t know what harmony meant. He taught himself to play the guitar and fiddle by age thirteen. He loved to sing and play music with all of his family and friends.

 His daughters, several grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews carry on that love of music and singing; many of them with precious memories of singing and playing music with him.

 Dean was blessed with multiple skills of occupation and hobbies. He was an excellent dragline operator, electrician, and mechanic. He loved being in his workshop and creating bird houses, little country cottages, churches, and banks.

 He loved to mow but did not consider that a chore but a pleasure and therapy. God allowed him the gift of that pleasure just a few days before He called him Home. 

 He loved God and family, loved reading the Bible and loved church.

 He, his wife Vivian, and their children were active and faithful in Brazoria First Assembly of God Church. Dean served faithfully in the church for more than 40 years.

 When he moved to Gilmer in 1996, he quickly became just as faithful and active in the Gilmer Assembly of God Church, and in his most recent church, Fellowship of Faith.

 He worked as a dragline operator for several years for Matagorda Shell Company before being drafted into the US Army in 1956, and honorably discharged after his service.   His job while stationed in Germany was mechanic, and driver for his commanding officer. His brother, Norman, was also stationed in Germany, and it was a comfort to both of them to get to visit each other several times.

 After the army, he worked for Community Public Service Power Company in West Columbia, TX before moving on to Dow.   

 He retired as an electrician from Dow Chemical in Freeport, TX after more than 25 years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene Frankum, his daughters Twyla Chenault, Susan/Eddie Hackett; nine grandchildren: 

 Tyler/Laura Chenault, Courtney Chenault, Aaron/Serenity Hackett, Seth/Keelena Hackett, Jared/Jennifer Hackett, Dayna/Randy Bickham, Jeniffer/Ray Chancey, Chase Frankum, Chance/Barbara Frankum; twelve great-grandchildren: Tyler Chenault Jr, Lawson Chenault, Braeden Hackett, Reese Hackett, Vivian Hackett, Sarah Van Epps, Connie-Lyn/Chase Gajewsky, Katelyn Chancey, Allison Chancey, Madelyn Chancey, Jeyson Frankum, Ryder Frankum; one great-great grandchild: Andrew Van Epps; one brother, Bobby /Wanda Frankum, one sister, Karen Ryman, brother in law David Murff and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Ginia Frankum, and bonus grandson, Noah Wyman; and by his bonus family: Charlene's children: Teresa Richardson and family, Sharon Gibson and family, Cal Hanzik and family.

 He is preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Frankum, his son, Jeffrey Frankum, his parents, Sam and Marie Frankum; three brothers and sisters in law, Edward/Joan Frankum, Norman/Neta Frankum, Kenneth/Barbara Frankum; one sister, Peggy Murff.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday March 18th from 10-11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church Shady Acres in Brazoria, TX.  Funeral service to begin at 11 a.m.  Interment to follow at Brazoria Cemetery.

Officiating will be Brother Charles Moore, pastor of First Baptist Church of Shady Acres. 

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Tyler Chenault, Aaron Hackett, Seth Hackett, Jared Hackett, Chase Frankum, Chance Frankum

 Dean will be greatly missed by family and friends.   

 Condolences may be left at www.ctbakerfuneral.com