Franklin Leon Ripkowski

Franklin Leon Ripkowski Senior went to be with our Lord and Savior on February 5, 2026. He was born on May 5, 1939, in Houston, Texas, to Lee Frank and Stella Virginia Ripkowski.

Frank attended Sam Houston High School in Houston, Texas, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956. He was honorably discharged in 1960. On October 27, 1962, in Houston, Texas, he married the love of his life, Jimmie Sue Pursley, beginning a lifetime of love and partnership.

Frank devoted 39 years of service to General Electric, where he worked in the electrical engineering department and retired as a supervisor in 1999. After retirement, he embraced his next chapter as a full-time rancher, a full-time grandfather, and a knight with the Knights of Columbus. His passions included ranching, caring for his cattle, and enjoying games of 42, moon, and Mexican train with family and friends.

After moving to New Waverly full-time, Frank became an active member of the Knights of Columbus, where he faithfully served for many years. He assisted with numerous fundraising events, including fish fries, barbecue events, and festivals. Frank loved attending weddings and dances, and his presence on the dance floor was unmistakable-you could hear him stomping and hollering from a mile away. He also enjoyed deer hunting, making homemade sausage, and tending to his massive gardens.

Becoming a grandfather was one of Frank's greatest blessings. He cherished every moment with Reygan, Waverlee, and Logan. He found joy in dressing up as Santa Claus, Easter egg hunt hunting, taking them on hay rides, attending every school event, birthday parties, and going on countless road trips with his grandchildren.

Frank is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jimmie Sue Pursley Ripkowski; his daughter, Rhonda Williford, and husband, Charlie; his son, Frank Ripkowski Junior, and his significant other, April Fritsche; his two granddaughters and great-grandchild: Reygan Cox and husband, Kyle; Waverlee Yezak and husband, Jacob, and their son, Walker; and Logan Thomas Sykowski. He is also survived by his five bonus grandchildren: Lyndsay Richardson and husband, Clint, and their children, Tristan and Taylor; Stephanie Brown and husband, Jeremy, and their children, Baker, Knox, and Landon; Jake Williford and wife, Taylor, and their children, Elliott and Sloane; Ashtin Williford; and Story Williford. He is further survived by his brother, Fred Ripkowski, and wife, Mary Jo; sisters, Gertrude Olbrych and Marcella Norton; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Frank and Stella Virginia Ripkowski.

Serving as pallbearers are: Grandson, Logan Sykowski; Grandson-in-law, Kyle Cox; Grandson-in-law, Jacob Yezak; Nephew, James Olbrych; Nephew, Mike Ripkowski; and Nephew, Stephen Norton.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 on February 10 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis Tx. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, New Waverly, Texas. Military graveside service will take place directly after the celebration of life at Pine Valley Cemetery in New Waverly, Texas.

You are invited to leave a memory and/or a photo at www.shmfh.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that you make a donation to First Baptist Church, New Waverly, in the name of Franklin Ripkowski Senior.