Frank James Sylvia, Sr., 87, a lifelong resident of Chambers County, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at his home in Old River-Winfree, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 14, 1932, in Mont Belvieu, Texas to the late Ethyl Poarch and Archie M. Sylvia, Sr. Frank graduated from Barbers Hill ISD in 1950. He was still very active in supporting Barbers Hill education and sports. Shortly after graduating he joined the Merchant Marines. Later he was drafted to the United States Army, where he proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. After serving in the Army, Frank began working for Exxon in various capacities for more than thirty years before his official retirement in 1980.
Frank was a dedicated member of Old River Baptist Church where his mother, Ethyl, was a founding member.
Frank pursued several hobbies, some of which included hunting, fishing, gardening and playing dominos. He also enjoyed building, especially for his home and apartment. Frank was instrumental in the construction of their home. His favorite hobby of all was spending time with his large family. Frank enjoyed nothing more than telling his kids how to do everything and how to do it safely. He was dedicated to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he adored more than life. Frank will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his three sisters, a brother and a niece. He leaves behind to cherish his loving memory, his wife of sixty-six years, Shirley Katie Jean Hanks Sylvia; his daughter Debbie Sue Blackmon and husband Robert; his sons Frank James (Judge Jimmy) Sylvia Jr and wife Laura Lou; Troy Lynn Sylvia and Regina; Keela Sylvia; and Judge Blake Daniel Sylvia and wife Maria; his grandchildren Melanie and Mark Wingo, Hailegh Kelsi, Jaidynn; Boss and Martha Doucette, Boss Jr., Beau; Jimbo and Donna Sylvia, Jay, Flynn, Fletcher; Ryan and Melissa Sylvia, Drake and Noah; Brittney Sylvia and Will, Brayden, Brody, Sawyer, Nathan, Josh; Kaci and Stephen Jones, Brooklyn, Landon, Karleigh, Kynleigh; Kalli and Glenn Malone, Ethan, Sylvi; Kassi and Aaron Hopper; Katie and Clark II, Cornelison, Kaydence, Clark III; Daniel Sylvia and Chase Sylvia; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Honoring the family by serving as pallbearers will be Robert Blackmon, Boss Doucette, Jimbo Sylvia, Ryan Sylvia, Daniel Sylvia, and Chase Sylvia. Honorary pallbearers will be Boss Jr., Beau, Jay (Frank IV), Flynn, Fletcher, Ethan, Drake, Noah, Brayden, Brody, Josh, Nathan, Landon and Clark, III.
Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 11am on Friday, August 30, 2019, at Old River Baptist Church, 12948 FM 1409, Dayton, Texas 77535. A funeral service will follow at 12pm, with Bro. Ronnie Webb, Bro. Wes Hinote and Bro. Danny Biddy officiating. A private graveside service and committal will be held in Sylvia Cemetery.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s honor to Old River Baptist Church building fund at 12948 FM 1409, Dayton, Texas 77535.
