Herbert George Frankovich, Jr.

Herbert George Frankovich Jr., known to many as "Sonny" and affectionately called "Herbie Honey" by his late wife, Evelyn Francis Pehnke, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, in Texas City from pulmonary fibrosis, with his children by his side. He was 80 years old.

A lifelong Texan, Herb was born in Galveston on July 29, 1944. He graduated from Ball High School in 1963, where he held the state record in the backstroke for more than 15 years. That same year, on February 29 (a leap year, which he chose so he'd only have to celebrate the anniversary once every four years), he married Evelyn. Shortly after, he left for boot camp at Parris Island and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, receiving an honorable discharge in 1969.

Herb and Evelyn shared a devoted 53-year marriage-13 years if you're only counting leap days. Together, they raised three children: Herbert "Trey" Frankovich III (Beth), Evelyn "Dodie" O'Hara (Patrick), and Barbie Tucker (Danny). He was the proud "Grandpa" and "Great-Grandpa" of 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

After his military service, Herb worked at American National Insurance Company and then at Marathon Oil as an operator. Eventually, he trained as a machinist so he could get on a schedule that allowed more time with family-always his top priority.

Herb had a passion for the outdoors and made countless memories with his family on camping trips to Garner State Park and coast-to-coast road trips in a station wagon packed with kids, a mother-in-law, and a great sense of humor. At age 70, he climbed Baldy Mountain at Garner for the last time, and at 71, he ran his first half marathon-finishing ahead of both daughters, which he never let them forget.

A devout Christian, Herb was an active member of First Baptist Church in Texas City, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and children's ministry bus driver. He began his spiritual journey at First Baptist Church in Galveston, where he was a member in his younger years.

Herb will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering humility. He lived simply but left a powerful legacy-always ready to lend a hand, never in it for attention, and most joyful when watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren walk in faith.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn; his parents, Herbert George Frankovich Sr. and Dorothy Elizabeth Parker; and his brother, Arnold "Tommy" Thomas Frankovich. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, church family, and a wide circle of friends.

Though his absence is deeply felt, his family finds peace in the promise of faith and in the enduring legacy of his Godly love. Our hearts are heavy, but we know-joy comes in the morning!

Pallbearers will be Hunter Frankovich, Turner Frankovich, Brittney Garner, Landon Ussery, Derek Garner, and Patrick O'Hara.

Visitation will be held 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 9, 2025 at Emken-Linton Funeral Home. Funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private burial at Hayes Cemetery in Hitchcock.

Please, no flowers (because, as Evelyn could have testified, Herb wasn't much for fuss), the family asks that donations be made to Samaritan's Purse or The Institute for Creation Research-two causes that echo Herb's love of people and knowledge of his Creator.

And finally, in true Herb fashion, there will be a door prize awarded to one lucky attendee following the service. Must be present to win. Herb wanted to leave everyone with one last smile.