Frank L. Mihatsch, Sr.

Frank L. Mihatsch, Sr., a devoted son, brother, father, and Paw Paw, entered through the gates of Heaven during the early morning hours of Friday October 20, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 15, 1944 in Rosebud, TX to Joe A. Mihatsch Sr. and Rosie Ann Woellert Mihatsch. Frank graduated in the Temple High School Class of 1963 and attended Tarleton State University before enlisting in the United Sates Navy in 1966. Assigned to Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) Training, Vietnamese language school, U.S. Army Airborne Jump school in Ft. Benning, GA, and graduated from the Underwater Demolition Team 11 (UDT 11) at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. He was a Navy SEAL who served five combat tours in Vietnam. He was awarded several metals for combat bravery: two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart among many others. His devotion to his country forged a lifelong brotherhood with his UDT 11/SEAL Team One “FAMILY” to the end. Somehow, he acquired the name “Hopper” from his cohort Frogs. Granted tenure at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor cabinet shop where he followed a passion for cabinet design & woodworking taught by his father through years of working at Mihatsch Cabinets. Everyone in Frank’s life knew of his lifelong passion for golf.  He created new friendships and deepened relationships with old friends over the years on the green. More importantly, he will be remembered for being a hardworking and loving family man. His son will cherish the bond they shared and the unconditional love that spoiled his grandchildren, who were his heart and joy. He took pride in being called “Paw Paw.” When asked his youngest granddaughter what Paw Paw means to her, she replied with hands in the air, “Paw Paw is the BEST!”. Frank is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include: his son, Frankie L. Mihatsch Jr., and wife, Chelsi, of Temple; two brothers, Joe A. Mihatsch Jr. and wife Linda of La Grange, and Bobby Mihatsch and wife Donna of Kerrville; two sisters, Rose Abel and husband Adolph, and JoAnn Camp both of Temple; and five grandchildren, Kameron, Tyler, Brayden, and Paityn Mihatsch all of Temple, and Colby Macy of Elgin. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 25th at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple. Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Leonard Onwumere and Dr. Hiram Campbell officiating. Interment with military honors at 12:00 p.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Pallbearers are Jody Mihatsch, Brandon Mihatsch, Bobby Camp, Andy Anderson, Lou Hyatt and Jack D. Lee.