Lonnie Maxwell Frank Sr.

Lonnie M. Frank passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the age of 100. Born on September 12, 1924, and raised in the Lone Oak community near Somerville, Texas, Lonnie devoted his life to his family, his faith, and his country.

In 1943, Lonnie married the love of his life, Aline Montalbano, in Houston, Texas. Their extraordinary partnership spanned 77 years until Aline’s passing in 2021. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and service. In 1949, they returned to Burleson County, where they raised their three children, Linda, Carol, and Lonnie Max, instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion.

A World War II combat veteran, Lonnie answered the call to serve his nation during one of its most challenging times. A member of the 8th Infantry Division who landed in Normandy on July 4, 1944, Lonnie returned to Normandy last year and found healing in honoring those in his company who fell in the line of service. 

He committed his life to the Lord as a young man of 25 at a Billy Graham Crusade in Houston, TX. Lonnie was deeply committed to his faith, dedicating countless hours to his church and community, and mission trips across the country and as far as South America. He and Aline volunteered with the Texas Baptist Men, helping to build churches across Texas and assisting in the construction of a Baptist encampment in Colorado. Their selfless work inspired many and served as a testament to their steadfast belief in giving back.

While working for the state of Texas, he drove all over it. He would have to heat his lunches and cook his dinners on the engine of his company car while driving between locations and knew the name of every town and highway in the state. On occasion, his wife, Aline and his son, Lonnie Max, would meet up with him on the weekends while he traveled in order to spend more time together. 

Creative and hardworking, after retiring as a mechanic, he expanded his cattle company, the Poor Boy Cattle Co., proudly displaying the name and the image of a young boy walking behind a mule on his property for all to see. He loved telling the story inspiring the brand, about how he, as the youngest brother, used to ride into town on a mule while his older brothers rode horses. In later years, he raised registered cattle and proudly displayed photos of some of his favorite bulls in his “Bull Pen” on his closed in back porch, sharing space with his trophies from years of 42 tournaments. 

Humble and generous, he once gave the new exotic-skin boots off his own feet to a friend who complimented them. He delighted in showing his grandchildren and great grandchildren the land that he lived on and cared for that had been part of his family since 1899, frequently saying there’s no place he’d rather live. He was loving and loved by his family, numerous friends, his church, and community. Lonnie’s remarkable life was celebrated earlier this year when family, friends, and loved ones from around the world gathered to honor his 100th birthday. His enduring spirit, wisdom, and kindness left an everlasting impact on everyone he touched.

Lonnie is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Aline, two daughters – Linda Frank Neimann and Carol Frank Ehrhardt, a son – Lonnie Maxwell Frank, Jr., an infant granddaughter – Rebecca Neimann.

He is survived by his grandchildren – Susan Smithhart (David) of Temple, TX; Keith Neimann (Charlene) of Lampasas, TX; Monty Neimann (Claudia) of Scroggins, TX; Calvin Gerke, Jr. M.D., of Tyler, TX; Mark Gerke (Sharon) of Charlotte, N.C.; and David Frank (Debra) of McKinney, TX. Also surviving are 12 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, two sisters, Madeline Groce and Lillie Dittfurth, many nieces and nephews, and a community that cherished him deeply.

His life was a testament to the values of faith, family, and service. Though he will be dearly missed, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.