Obituaries

Franklin G. Hotchkiss III

Frank was born on 8/15/1959 in Logan, Utah to Franklin G. Hotchkiss Jr. and Violet M. (Mathews) Hotchkiss; he was the second of five children. He grew up in Naugatuck, Connecticut and was active in Little League and Boy Scouts. When the family moved to Leominster, Massachusetts, "Bud", as he was known to his family was quick to make friends and became active in the youth center. When he turned 18, he joined the Navy. He became a Purple Heart recipient after he was wounded in the Grenada War. Frank was not only a military hero, but a hero of life and faith. He seemed to never meet a stranger and had a love for fishing and music. He was often seen playing his guitar.

He lived in Whitesboro, Tx where he passed away unexpectedly in his home on 12-14-21. He was 62 years young. He remained a free spirit with a quick wit until the end.

Frank unashamedly gave honor to Jesus Christ for the major changes he made in the latter years of his life. He was a devoted member of the Christian Gathering Church of Valley View. After his baptism, Frank committed his life to loving God and serving his world. He took advantage of a grant offered to disabled veterans and returned to college at age 54. He graduated from Grayson County College in 2019 where he was often on the Deans list. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M of Commerce 12-14-19. Frank worked hard to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. By being an overcomer himself, he inspired others to remain sober and to dream big in spite of their struggle with addiction.

Frank was passionate about fighting hunger, homelessness and suicide, especially among veterans. He helped spearhead Cooke County’s first “Walk Out of Darkness” Suicide Prevention Fundraiser. He volunteered for the Military Veteran Peer Network for the last 6 years. He mentored in Grayson and Fannin county Veteran Treatment Courts for 4 years. He was a member of the Cooke County LOSS team (Local Support for Suicide Survivors), and the Hope Alliance Community Cares Committee. He conducted peer support groups including those suffering with PTSD. He worked with recovering addicts in AA and My Brothers House in Muenster. He was also a certified facilitator for Overcomer's Support Recovery. He volunteered at the Grand Central Station cooking and delivering food to the homeless in Grayson County and with Soul Food in Gainesville. He also volunteered at the Walker House food ministry through MasterKey Ministries. He personally delivered food to those who were not able to come to the food bank. These are just SOME of the services Frank has provided in our local communities. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement.

Frank is survived by his beloved daughter Meagan Henderson; His grandchildren Seacret Chevalier, Trinity Henderson, Torian Henderson, Great grandson, Kartier Rivera Davis- all of Houston. They brought him much joy.

Frank was also survived by his sisters Joan Hotchkiss of Athol, Ma; Patti Moir of Lubbock, TX; a brother, Michael Hotchkiss of Winchendon, Ma. Nieces and nephews Jeffrey Hotchkiss of Templeton, Ma, Matthew Moir of Lubbock, Tx, Laura Moir of Lynn, Ma, Stacey Silva of Wallis Tx, Jaimie Anderson of Gainesville, Tx, Christopher Hotchkiss of Leominster, Ma, and Jennifer Moulton of Athol, Ma. And several great nieces and nephews.

He’s also survived by his ex wife Debi Palarca of Valley View, Tx and his companion to the end- his beloved Macaw, Cleopatra. (After the passing of a beloved dog, he got a Macaw, saying that she wouldn't die too soon on him. Everyone knows how much he loved that bird!)

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lori, nephew Jason, and his first wife Carrie Coleman (mother of his daughter).

A memorial service is scheduled January 9th 3:00 at the VFW Sherman post 2772. 1707 Baker St, Sherman Tx. Please come celebrate this life of love and inspiration.