Frank Raynor

Frank Leo Raynor, 100, of Sweeny, Texas went to be with our Lord and Savior on June 27, 2023.

Frank was born to Frank Lacy Raynor and Rebecca Coleman Raynor on December 7, 1922, in Sweeny, Texas.  Soon after, his family moved to Freeport, Texas, where his father worked as a contractor to help construct the jetties.  Upon graduation from Freeport High School, he moved to Brownwood, Texas to attend Howard Payne University.  When war was declared in 1941 his eyes turned to serving his country in the United States Navy.

Lieutenant Commander Raynor spent the early years of the war in the Navy's various officer training programs, graduated in January 1944 and commissioned Ensign.  After completion of Advanced Deck Officers Training and Submarine Chaser Training, he received orders to the 12th Naval District.

While in San Francisco prior to deployment to the Pacific Theater, Frank met the girl of his dreams.  Their engagement was announced and his marriage to Elizabeth Calvert was planned to take place at the end of the war upon his return from the South Pacific.  He returned on January 20, 1946, and they were married on January 27, 1946.

Frank was released from active duty in 1946 and joined the Organized Naval Reserve.  He returned with his bride to Texas, where he enrolled at Baylor University and obtained a BA degree.  During the summer of 1950 he was recalled to active duty and ordered to Norfolk, Virginia as Assistant Naval Control Shipping Officer.  During this time, he assisted in the development of sailing orders for all US flag vessels in case of execution of General Emergency Orders.  Afterward, Frank continued serving in the Organized Naval Reserve in Houston in various teaching and development capacities.  He continued as an instructor at the Houston Unit of the Naval Reserve until his retirement at age 60.

In peacetime Frank taught General Science and English Language Arts/Reading in Brazoria and West Columbia, Texas before transferring to Sweeny ISD in Sweeny, Texas.  During his 25 plus years in the classroom, Mr. Raynor taught most of his children's generation as they worked their way through junior high school.  Active in his community, he served in various organizations, including the Sweeny Lions Club and through many projects undertaken by his church.  An active member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association and a Past President of the Brazoria County Retired Teachers Association, he remained engaged since his retirement from teaching.

Frank and Elizabeth were blessed with five children and while Elizabeth went to be with the Lord in 1976, their family continued to grow with numerous grandchildren.  Frank’s legacy is his cherished family.  He spoke often and with pride about his family and all of the family gatherings were a great source of his happiness.

Some of the more interesting facts during his life included:  his love for riding motorcycles and driving in general, he drove the entire perimeter of Texas, he would take books to the needy in Mexico, he helped to build the fountain in front of Sweeny First Baptist, the State of Texas helped celebrate his 100th birthday and he was included on Honor Flight #21.

Frank is survived by his children: son Frank Lewis Raynor, wife Connie; daughter Carolynn Dowlen, husband Patrick; son Gus Raynor, wife Joan; son Peter Raynor, wife Carol and son Coleman (Tony) Raynor.  Grandchildren: Ray Allen Ballard, Janna Ballard, Clinton Raynor, Mandy (BJ) Castro, Lauren (Cory) Willard, Chad (Tori) Raynor, Heath (Heather) Raynor and Nathan (Alyssa) Dowlen.  Great-grandchildren:  Ashley (Wyatt) Cissna, Tyler Fortenberry, Carson Willard, Luke Castro, Carleigh Willard, Colton Castro, Hayes Raynor, Chanie Willard, Hartlee Raynor and Harris Raynor and most recently great-great granddaughter Layla Cissna.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Elizabeth, parents Frank Lacy and Rebecca and his sister Bettye Ann Brock.

Relatives and friends are invited to his memorial service on Saturday July 8th, 11am at the Sweeny First Baptist Church.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that donations be given to www.honorflighthouston.org  so that some other Veteran could receive this honor.