Herman A Mentzel, Jr.

Herman A. Mentzel, Jr.

     FRANKLIN-Mr. Herman A Mentzel, Jr. passed from this life Thursday, March 16, 2017, in League City, Texas.

     Born February 15, 1929, in Galveston, Texas Mr. Mentzel had been a life-long resident of Alta Loma and Arcadia before relocating 18 years ago to his farm in Franklin, Texas to pursue his love of farming and dabbling with his cattle. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who enjoyed watching any child, whether he knew them or not, play baseball, basketball, and softball. He spent many nights at Runge Park umpiring baseball and if he was not umpiring you might just catch him sitting behind the centerfield fence in a lawn chair taking in a game. He travelled with Santa Fe’s boys or girls basketball teams. He even travelled as far as Las Cruces, New Mexico to watch his granddaughter play softball in 12 year old Nationals and travelled from Franklin to watch his great-granddaughter pitch when Santa Fe’s softball team won the 2011 4A State Championship. He was a sports enthusiast in general and continued going to games even after his move to Franklin.

     After 40 years of service as a welder, Herman was one of the last employees to walk out the gate of The Texas City Tin Smelter/Wah Chang/Gulf Chemical and Metallurgical when the plant finally closed.

     He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman A. Mentzel, Sr. and Ada Josephine (Johansson) Mentzel; his loving wife of 68 years, L. Joy Mentzel; his sisters, Evelyn Cole, Ethel Franks, Anna Rogan, Mary Cass and his brother, John J. Parker.

     He is survived by his daughter, Vikki Hrncir and husband, Jim of Santa Fe; son, Herman A Mentzel, III and wife, Linda H. of Santa Fe; grandchildren, Gina Bouvier and husband, Rob, Mitchell (Mickey) Mentzel and wife, Jennifer, Kerry Albrecht and husband, Clint, Terry Cambiano and husband Nick, James M. Hrncir and wife Michelle, Scott Hrncir; great-grandchildren, Micaela, Braden, Rylie, Kobe, Baily, Cade, Kase, Kyleigh, Preslee, Josh, Jamie, Cassie, Carlie, Zoey; great-great grandchild, Camden and numerous nieces and nephews.

     Mr. Dean Butler will officiate graveside services at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2017, at Alta Loma Cemetery, Avenue M in Santa Fe, Texas.

     Honorary pallbearers will be Mickey Mentzel, James M. Hrncir, Scott Hrncir, Robert Bouvier, Clint Albrecht, Nick Cambiano, Kenny Stewart and Martin Gately.

     Visitation with the family will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2017 in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, (409) 925-3501.

     Memorials in the form of donations may be made in Herman’s name to the ALS Association, 2251 Chennault, Carrollton, TX 75006.

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