Frank Loza, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and retired HSU Police Chief, who peacefully left this world on November 4, 2023 at the age of 73.

A celebration of Frank's life will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Logsdon Chapel on the Hardin-Simmons University Campus. Visitation with the family will be at 10:00 a.m. and the Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 am with Dr. Lanny Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery located at 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, Texas in the Companion Garden following the service.

Frank was born to Francisco J. Loza and Amparo Flores Loza on June 13, 1950 in Abilene, Texas. His childhood years were spent with his family as migrant workers. Even at a young age, Frank had a strong work ethic and went to work for Ledo Dowdy at The Pancake House in Abilene to help support his mother and siblings. For a few years after high school, Frank worked at C.G. Conn in Abilene, a manufacturer of band instruments. Frank completed the requirements to become a Certified Texas Peace Officer, and in 1982, joined the HSU Police Department, working his way up through the department to the rank of Police Chief until his retirement in 2018. Frank served his community with honor and distinction for many years as the Chief of Police of Hardin-Simmons University. During his tenure, he displayed unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of the campus and its students, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and the entire community.

But Frank’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He married Anna Darlene Price on July 1, 1978 in Abilene, Texas. He was a loving and devoted husband to his beloved wife Darlene, and a caring and supportive father to his two adult sons Frank and Lance and granddaughter Cora. He cherished every moment spent with his family, creating beautiful memories and inside jokes that will be cherished for generations.

Frank had a heart filled with warmth, kindness and an unwavering love for those he held dear. His love language was expressed in giving small surprises such as travel snacks for family headed home to Illinois, cookie monster cupcakes for nieces and nephews visiting, or each family members’ favorite treat.

In his retirement, Frank enjoyed auctioning off his Police Patch Collection of 30+ years on ebay, and watching sports and old reruns of westerns on TV.

Frank was preceded in death by his brother Robert Loza; mother Amparo; father Francisco; brothers-in-law, Richard Juarez, Sr. and Fidel Hernandez; sisters-in-law, Sharon Starck and Cindy Price.

Frank is survived by his wife Darlene of Abilene; two sons and daughters-in-law: Frank and Jennifer Loza of Little Elm, Texas; Lance and Rachel Loza of Flower Mound, Texas; granddaughter Cora Kathleen Loza of Little Elm, Texas; four sisters: Becky Juarez of Fort Worth, Texas, Ester Gonzalez of Fort Worth, Texas, Lee Hernandez of Abilene, Texas, Yolanda Loza and spouse Juan Perez of Abilene, Texas; three brothers: Rudy Loza, Ricky Loza, Raymond Loza and wife Angie, all of Abilene, Texas; his mother-in-law Samoa Pepper; brother-in-law Earl Price both of Abilene; sister-in-law Pam and husband Brian Kilmain of Peoria, Illinois and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials may be sent to the HSU Police Department, Hardin-Simmons University, HSU Box 16100, Abilene, Texas 79698.

Frank's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the community he served. Although he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit and memory will forever remain, inspiring us to live a life of service, love, and dedication. May he rest in peace.